The first game was a complete success which launched the Crash Bandicoot franchise, and Crash Nitro Kart was the first game of the franchise to take to a driving genre, which wasnt as succesful but was still a good game, for everyone to play.
Developer: Vicarious visions ( They also developed games like Guitar Hero and and the Transformers games.)
Publisher: Universal Interactive, this company also distrubuted the games.
The game has most of the original characters in from the previous Crash games but also has new unlockable karts and characters.
The characters of the game were designed by series veteran Charles Zembillas, while the environments were designed by Joe Pearson (another veteran of the series), John Nevarez, Alan Simmons and Di Davies. The karts were designed by Perry Zombolis Jr. and Andy Lomerson.
The soundtrack of the game was composed by Ashif Hakik and Todd Masten of Womb Music. These composers also composed the music for the early x-men franchise.
Tuesday 11 May 2010
Marketing
The game Crash Nitro Kart is available for many platfroms such as PS2, Gamecube, N-Gage,xbox and Game Boy Advance.
It is also available on Iphones and ipods, which is downloadable for a small fee of itunes, you can also rent it for a few days of itunes for a reduced price.
The games price on the official GAME website is £3.99 preowned and £12.99 new.
It is also available on Iphones and ipods, which is downloadable for a small fee of itunes, you can also rent it for a few days of itunes for a reduced price.
The games price on the official GAME website is £3.99 preowned and £12.99 new.
Revision Questions
AS Media
Key Media Concepts: Section B, Institutions and Audiences.
You need to understand and discuss the process of production, distribution, exchange, marketing and the nature of audience consumption in relation to videogames. You should refer to the industry as a whole, GTAIV, your case study and incorporate key terms.
Below are prompts that indicate the type of thing you need to revise in order to help you answer the exam question.
1. The issues raised by media ownership in cotemporary media practice.
2. The importance of cross media convergence and synergy in production, distribution and marketing
3. The technologies that have been introduced in recent years at the levels of production, distribution, exchange and marketing.
4. The significance of proliferation in hardware and content for institutions and audiences
5. The importance of technological convergence for institutions and audiences.
6. The issues raised in the targeting of national and local audiences (specifically British) by international or global institutions.
7. The ways in which the candidates’ own experiences of media consumption illustrate wider patterns and trends of audience behaviour
Last Junes AS exam question was:
How important is technological convergence for institutions and audiences?
Key Media Concepts: Section B, Institutions and Audiences.
You need to understand and discuss the process of production, distribution, exchange, marketing and the nature of audience consumption in relation to videogames. You should refer to the industry as a whole, GTAIV, your case study and incorporate key terms.
Below are prompts that indicate the type of thing you need to revise in order to help you answer the exam question.
1. The issues raised by media ownership in cotemporary media practice.
2. The importance of cross media convergence and synergy in production, distribution and marketing
3. The technologies that have been introduced in recent years at the levels of production, distribution, exchange and marketing.
4. The significance of proliferation in hardware and content for institutions and audiences
5. The importance of technological convergence for institutions and audiences.
6. The issues raised in the targeting of national and local audiences (specifically British) by international or global institutions.
7. The ways in which the candidates’ own experiences of media consumption illustrate wider patterns and trends of audience behaviour
Last Junes AS exam question was:
How important is technological convergence for institutions and audiences?
Monday 10 May 2010
Sims 2
Sims 2 was developed by Maxis who are a subsidiary to electronic arts game, ea games being the publisher.
Sims 2 was marketed through a number of tv ads which were silly trailers of the game. It also used viral marketing by using its official website to promote the game.
Sims 2 which is mainly a pc game was sold in familier shops such as GAME and HMV. It was also available for online purchase from internet shopping sites such as play.com and amazon.co.uk.
Sims 2 was mainly aimed at younger children and ranging up to teenagers. After the Sims 2 was released many expansion packs were included such as Sims University life, Sims Buisness Life, Sims Fun pets etc...
There was also a number of extra ' stuff ' add-ons which gave the game little differences rather than adding more aspects to the game. These stuff add-ons included happy holiday stuff, party holiday stuff, glamour stuff, IKEA Home furnishing stuff, Mansion and Gardening stuff etc...
There was slight controversy over the game when journalists criticised it for the accessibility of cheats to uncover the blur that occurs during shower and toilet trips. This was deemed inappropriate, however the creators hit back saying the Sims didn't have extra detail and they predominantly looked like barby and ken dolls when exposed without the blur.
Sims 2 was marketed through a number of tv ads which were silly trailers of the game. It also used viral marketing by using its official website to promote the game.
Sims 2 which is mainly a pc game was sold in familier shops such as GAME and HMV. It was also available for online purchase from internet shopping sites such as play.com and amazon.co.uk.
Sims 2 was mainly aimed at younger children and ranging up to teenagers. After the Sims 2 was released many expansion packs were included such as Sims University life, Sims Buisness Life, Sims Fun pets etc...
There was also a number of extra ' stuff ' add-ons which gave the game little differences rather than adding more aspects to the game. These stuff add-ons included happy holiday stuff, party holiday stuff, glamour stuff, IKEA Home furnishing stuff, Mansion and Gardening stuff etc...
There was slight controversy over the game when journalists criticised it for the accessibility of cheats to uncover the blur that occurs during shower and toilet trips. This was deemed inappropriate, however the creators hit back saying the Sims didn't have extra detail and they predominantly looked like barby and ken dolls when exposed without the blur.
The Pokemon Franchise.
Production of the Games
History of the Games and what each game introduced
• Pokemon Red and Blue in 1997 (US release):
– in a 3rd person, overhead perspective.
– consists of three basic screens; overworld, side-view battle and a menu interface.
– Location of in game events based on a region of mainland Japan.
– Set story line, have to complete tasks in order to progress and unlock further parts of the games.
• Pokemon Silver and Gold, 2000:
– Introduced a new region, based on a landmass in Japan, for gamers to explore.
– Now had a time system, that dictated when certain things in the game happened.
– Additional Pokemon and items.
– Improved graphics.
• Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, 2003:
– Another region, based on a location in Japan.
– New battling mechanics, most prominent being ‘double battles’
– Improved graphics, including full colour game play; previous games were in black and white/ simple colours.
– Full connectivity with spin off games of the series on other Nintendo consoles (GameCube)
– Additional side quests to go alongside main story.
• Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, 2007:
– A new Japan influenced-region
– New battling mechanics
– New Pokemon and items.
– Capitalised DS game play
– Expanded connectivity – global; for trading and battling with Wi-fi
– 3D graphics.
– First time to have backward compatibility with a previous console version of the franchise.
– A game for the Nintendo Wii was made for the use of these games.
Development
• The Pokemon games are developed by the company Game Freak and are published by Nintendo; making the franchise a 2nd party game.
• The original games were designed to use the Gameboy console to its fullest extent, especially the linking-up to other Gameboys to trade and battle.
• Two versions of the game were made, to increase difficulty and interest for players..
• As the handheld consoles have improved, so has the graphics and game play of the Pokemon games.
• The original Japanese versions of the games took 6 years to make, due to the game mechanics not being designed. The sequels took shorter time, despite graphical and game play improvement, as the two games lay the foundations for the rest of the series.
• The original Gameboy’s specifications that the original games worked with:
• CPU: Custom 8-bit Sharp core at 4.19 MHz RAM: 8 KB internal S-RAM
• Video RAM: 8 KB internal
• ROM: On-CPU-Die 256-byte bootstrap; 256 KB, 512 kb, 1 Mb, 2 Mb, 4 Mb and 8 Mb cartridges
• Sound: 2 square waves, 1 programmable 32-sample 4-bit PCM wave, 1 white noise, and one audio input from the cartridge.
• Display: Reflective LCD 160 × 144 pixels
• Frame Rate: Approx. 59.7 frames per second on a regular Game Boy, 61.1 on a Super Game Boy
• Vertical Blank Rate: Approx 1.1ms
• Screen size: 66 mm (2.6 in) diagonal
• Colour Palette: 2-bit, 4 shades of ‘grey’; light to very dark olive green.
• After the two original Japanese versions Pokemon Red and Green were made, in order to make it available to the rest of the world, the game had to be made again as the programming would not work with the translation software into English and other languages. Making a third game, Pokemon Blue.
• After development is complete, the games are published by Nintendo.
Marketing of the Games
• After the initial launch of the Pokemon games in 1996, it was an ‘over-night’ success in Japan. This lead to making the games be sold globally. Nintendo spent over $50 million to promote the games in the US.
• As well as promoting the games first hand, there was a spin off TV series, a trading card game, plush toys, themed vehicles; most notably the Pikachu aeroplane.
• Nintendo’s Gameboy already had a huge fan base, because of its initial cheap price and durability in comparison to other rival company consoles.
• For the more recent games, the marketing has now moved to internet, with “leaks” of game details appearing on the official site and fan-based sites.
• There are also TV adverts with far superior graphics, showing off the characters from the games, emphasising the vast improvement in the game graphics.
• There is a Japanese channel called ‘Pokemon Sunday’ that has guest appearances from the developers who reveal new details of up coming games.
• For the US and Europe, there is a Nintendo funded magazine that is all about Pokemon, as well as the Official Nintendo Magazine which promotes the games.
• There are also special offers to people who pre-order the games such as limited edition statues of infamous Pokemon characters.
• When revealing new characters, the initial unveiling is of silhouettes. They then wait another week before showing the new characters properly. This unveiling is also only of specific characters, such as the box art Pokemon and the Starter Pokemon. The rest of the Pokemon of the game are revealed closer to the release date.
Key Terms
Synergy = Two different agents which combine their abilities in order to produce a bigger and better game
Developers = makes the game (has the software)
Publisher = Have the money available to support the developers in making disc and packaging
Distributor = Sends the copies of the games to the shops
Manufacturer = Makes the consoles
1st Party Game = A game made by the makers of a consoe for that console
2nd Party Game = A game made by an independent company but for one individual console
3rd Party Game = Made by an independent company for a variety consoles
Vertically Integrated = develop, publish and distribute the game (e.g. Rockstar)
Developers = makes the game (has the software)
Publisher = Have the money available to support the developers in making disc and packaging
Distributor = Sends the copies of the games to the shops
Manufacturer = Makes the consoles
1st Party Game = A game made by the makers of a consoe for that console
2nd Party Game = A game made by an independent company but for one individual console
3rd Party Game = Made by an independent company for a variety consoles
Vertically Integrated = develop, publish and distribute the game (e.g. Rockstar)
GTA IV article
Production
- the gangster tough guy previously observed from afar in gangster films and TV drams such as The Sopranos and The Departed. this could've given later GTA games inspiration
- the style of the game has changed, bears very little relation to 3-dimensional
- immersive playing environment also the developments in console technology
Distribution
- originally for playstation, linked through out but 'ported' and converted to other platforms.
- PS2 was the undisputed king of games consoles. which many people grew up with. therefor very large potential was in-built the audience for the PS3. so GTA woulve been closer to song than Microsoft.
- released april 2008
Marketing
- it was on bilboard posters EVERYWHERE on the cover of nearly all video game magazines and advertised on the back of gaming and non gaming magazines
- acres of newspaper space
- a whole page in the observer was dedicated to /gta and whether it was 'art'
Consumption
- UNDER 18s - bought with fake ID over the internet, via high street stores or by getting a parent to buy it for you
- 'must play' game - similar status to must see tv like prizon break or lost. where people talk about what happened recently.
- male and female students xbox360 owners ps3 owners - all united over GTA IV and the experience it brings
gta 4 factors
Production:
- The famous gta series is now just over ten years old.
- created huge controversy world wide
- virtual world created for uses to live a virtual life
- playstation and the gta name have always been linked
- no idea on how gta will effect console sales
- dual release date marks the end of gta and sonys deal of gta being on playstation first
- early summer 2008 gta is unmissable as it's all over billboards,buses
- observer newspaper dedicated a double page to see if its classed as a work of art
- on cover of almost every video game magazine
- within 24 hours it achieved a must play game statues
- with in a few days fan blogs were being used
- discussions of tactics appeared on blogs and forums
GTA IV ARTICLE
Production
GTA games have offered players the opportunity to indulge themselves in a fantastic gameworld where they can virtually 'live the dream'
The style of the game design and the nature of the gameplay in this first game they have very little relation to the 3 dimensional fully interactive immersive worlds to which we have grown accustomed to.
The development of the games and there ability to construct a greater sense of a fully grounded game world and an immersive playing environment also mark the development in console technology.
Distribution
This is the first GTA game in the series to be released on dual platforms as the deal between sony and rockstar expired due to the migration of the next-gen consoles
The game was released on april 29th 2008 of GTA IV on both the xbox 360 and the PS3.
On its first day of release in britain 609,000 copies were sold bringing in a revenue of £24.4 million. In that single day it recouped around half of its production budget (estimated at £50 million).
Marketing
Since its release at the end of April it has grabbed acres of of newspaper space in both the gaming and non-gaming press.
On sunday. may 4th, The Observer newspaper dedicated a page of its 'Art's and culture review' section to debating whether or not GTA IV is a work of art.
It looks as if GTA IV has arrived at a tipping point where everyone know about the game, whether or not they know much about its content. In short, GTA IV has attained celebrity status.
Consumption
GTA IV has achieved a similar status, and within 24 hours of its release established itself with a status of a ''Must play'' game.
Male and female students xbox 360 owners and ps3 owners, all united by the experiences that they had from playing GTA IV.
Many of the game players are under 18 so this brings the question of the classification system and its effectiveness!
GTA 4 article
Production
- The series originated with the first game, simply titled Grand Theft Auto released on console such as the PS one and other consoles of that era
- The first game didn't have fully interactive and immersive worlds, which appeared in GTA3
- The development of the games and their ability to construct a greater sense of a fully rounded game world and immersive playing environment.
Distribution
- Originally for PlayStation but converted to other platforms
- released on April 29th 2008 - first for the game franchise
- Since Sept 2007, Sony and microsoft have been slashing the price of their consoles
Marketing
- In Summer 2008, there were Billboards posters everywhere and it has been on cover of nearly all the video games magazines
- It has been advertised in newspapers in both gaming and non-gaming press.
-
Consumption
- Consumers can play on Xbox and PS3
- achieved similar status to that of top of the range TV hits
On the day of release
- established itself as a must game within the first 24 hours of release
- The series originated with the first game, simply titled Grand Theft Auto released on console such as the PS one and other consoles of that era
- The first game didn't have fully interactive and immersive worlds, which appeared in GTA3
- The development of the games and their ability to construct a greater sense of a fully rounded game world and immersive playing environment.
Distribution
- Originally for PlayStation but converted to other platforms
- released on April 29th 2008 - first for the game franchise
- Since Sept 2007, Sony and microsoft have been slashing the price of their consoles
Marketing
- In Summer 2008, there were Billboards posters everywhere and it has been on cover of nearly all the video games magazines
- It has been advertised in newspapers in both gaming and non-gaming press.
-
Consumption
- Consumers can play on Xbox and PS3
- achieved similar status to that of top of the range TV hits
On the day of release
- established itself as a must game within the first 24 hours of release
GTA IV
Grand Theft Auto IV
Production:
- The series is just over ten years old and has sold millions of copies worldwide.
-The style of the game design and the nature of the gameplay in this first game bear very little relation to the 3-dimensional, fully interactive and immersive.
- GTA started on the PS1, then GTA3 and its offspring came out on PS2 and Xbox and now GTA IV for PS3 and Xbox 360.
Distribution:
- The simultaneos release on April 29th 2008 of GTA IV on both the Xbox 360 and PS3 marks a first for the game franchise.
-While the games have always 'ported' or converted to other gaming platforms (PC, Xbox, PSP example), there was also a 'sweetheart' deal in place between Rockstar and Sony.
-Since September 2007, sony and Microsoft have been slashing the prices of their consoles.
Marketing:
-Was advertised on nearly all of the covers of videogames magazines and up on billboards everywhere.
-Advertising similar to the way films are advertised.
-GTA IV attained a celebrity status.
Consumption:
-Established itself as a 'must play' game within the first 24 hours of release.
-Questioned the classification system.
Production:
- The series is just over ten years old and has sold millions of copies worldwide.
-The style of the game design and the nature of the gameplay in this first game bear very little relation to the 3-dimensional, fully interactive and immersive.
- GTA started on the PS1, then GTA3 and its offspring came out on PS2 and Xbox and now GTA IV for PS3 and Xbox 360.
Distribution:
- The simultaneos release on April 29th 2008 of GTA IV on both the Xbox 360 and PS3 marks a first for the game franchise.
-While the games have always 'ported' or converted to other gaming platforms (PC, Xbox, PSP example), there was also a 'sweetheart' deal in place between Rockstar and Sony.
-Since September 2007, sony and Microsoft have been slashing the prices of their consoles.
Marketing:
-Was advertised on nearly all of the covers of videogames magazines and up on billboards everywhere.
-Advertising similar to the way films are advertised.
-GTA IV attained a celebrity status.
Consumption:
-Established itself as a 'must play' game within the first 24 hours of release.
-Questioned the classification system.
Grand Theft Auto IV Article
Production
The GTA series is now over ten years old, It started with games on the Ps1 and is now available on Ps2, 3 and xbox.
Distribution
GTA IV was released on April 29th 08. It was released on xbox 360 and ps3, and the release of the game simultaneously on both console was a first for the game franchise.
Marketing
GTA advertising was placed on billboards and posters across the globe. It has been on the cover of nearly all video game magazines, and had its own article in the observer.
Consumption
Within 24 hours of its release, GTA established itself with the status of 'a must play game'. The game is classified as an 18, and caused mass controversy.
The GTA series is now over ten years old, It started with games on the Ps1 and is now available on Ps2, 3 and xbox.
Distribution
GTA IV was released on April 29th 08. It was released on xbox 360 and ps3, and the release of the game simultaneously on both console was a first for the game franchise.
Marketing
GTA advertising was placed on billboards and posters across the globe. It has been on the cover of nearly all video game magazines, and had its own article in the observer.
Consumption
Within 24 hours of its release, GTA established itself with the status of 'a must play game'. The game is classified as an 18, and caused mass controversy.
Grand Theft Auto IV
PRODUCTION
-Successful, sold millions of copies over a period of 10 years
- The games allow you to virtually 'Live the Dream'
- They developed the games throughout the technological console advances
DISTRIBUTION
- All the games have been Inextricably connected
- Xbox and Playstation having been slashing prices however, the Blue Ray console seems to be victorious.
- Its yet to see if GTA IV will have an effect on the ongoing battle between Microsoft and Sony
MARKETING
- It had been on billions of posters as well as magazine covers and billboards.
- GTA IV has made video games become so serious,it now seems to be part of our culture.
- The size of the marketing scheme for the game was on the same scale for that of a movie.
CONSUMPTION
- The game united Xbox and Playstation gamers
- GTA IV has achieved similar status to that of top of the range TV hits.
- On the day of release, all conversations were about the game.
GTA 4 artical.
Production
The GTA series is now just over 10 years old.
It has sold millions of copies world wide.
Grand Theft Auto was originally released on the PS one and other consoles of that generation.
Jamie is an asshole.
Distribution
The simultaneous release on April 29th 2008 of GTA4 on both the Xbox360 and PS3 marks a first for the game franchise.
Since September 2007, Sony and Microsoft have been slashing the prices of their consoles.
Games will be tempted by Microsoft's exclusive downloadable content, or will they go for the PS3, with its in-built Blu-ray DVD player and brand recognition and loyalty.
Marketing
The size of the scale of this marketing was closer to what film students and fans are used to experiencing.
On Sunday May 4th, 'the observer' newspaper dedicated a page of its 'Arts and Culture' review section to debating whether or not GTA4 is a work of art.
In early summer 2008, GTA4 was the most impossible to miss as it was being advertised everywhere.
Consumption
On April 30th the day after the game's release there was one major topic of conversation amounts students at a school, GTA4. Male and female students, Xbox360 owners and PS3 owners, all were united by the experiences from playing GTA4.
It's worth considering how any regulatory regime can hold out against the combined pressures of being able to buy with fake ID over the internet, via over the counter sales in high street stores, or getting a benevolent parent to buy a game for you.
The GTA series is now just over 10 years old.
It has sold millions of copies world wide.
Grand Theft Auto was originally released on the PS one and other consoles of that generation.
Jamie is an asshole.
Distribution
The simultaneous release on April 29th 2008 of GTA4 on both the Xbox360 and PS3 marks a first for the game franchise.
Since September 2007, Sony and Microsoft have been slashing the prices of their consoles.
Games will be tempted by Microsoft's exclusive downloadable content, or will they go for the PS3, with its in-built Blu-ray DVD player and brand recognition and loyalty.
Marketing
The size of the scale of this marketing was closer to what film students and fans are used to experiencing.
On Sunday May 4th, 'the observer' newspaper dedicated a page of its 'Arts and Culture' review section to debating whether or not GTA4 is a work of art.
In early summer 2008, GTA4 was the most impossible to miss as it was being advertised everywhere.
Consumption
On April 30th the day after the game's release there was one major topic of conversation amounts students at a school, GTA4. Male and female students, Xbox360 owners and PS3 owners, all were united by the experiences from playing GTA4.
It's worth considering how any regulatory regime can hold out against the combined pressures of being able to buy with fake ID over the internet, via over the counter sales in high street stores, or getting a benevolent parent to buy a game for you.
Playstation Network
What Can you do on Playstation Network?
Playstation network has all the features that the Xbox live service has. You can play online with friends, as well as chat and IM, Download Demos and games on demand and movies and music. It also has the addition of being able to access the World Wide Web, accessing any website on your TV.
Are the features as good?
The features such as being able to message friends, talk to them, download demos movies and songs, all seems to be on the same level as that on the Xbox, however it appears the online gameplay experiences more difficulties occasionally crashing and requiring long updates.
Is it Interactive?
Yes, it allows you to play online with friends, as well IM, chat and access the sites such as facebook.
Why is it free?
PlayStation Network
What can you do?
Play online with anyone for free
surf the web
chat to friends and family across the world
download additional content for games
download demos
download movies
offers unique online identities
create online events
Are the features as good?
yes, but sometimes the service can go down as it isn't paid for by the consumers.
ps3 have more friends
Is it interactive?
Very interactive as people can communicate with one another via headsets and by leaving private messages for each other.
Why is it free?
Playstation is a lot more expensive so this allows Sony to offer a free online network.
playstation network
contains unique gamer name and an avatar like Xbox live.
Trophies are collected on certain games for completing objectives which can be compared to
friends on the friends list.
the playstation store includes down loadable content full games hd movies game trailers and multiplayer demos.
Friends list can exchange text audio and video massages.
built in internet so people can browse the internet. people can also download themes for the playstation using the internet straight onto the hard drive.
Playstation home means people can create avatars and hang out with friends in a real world situation. this includes playing bowling and decorating your house and going round each ohers homes.
the online includes multiplayer games, ability to enter tournaments and competitions.
Trophies are collected on certain games for completing objectives which can be compared to
friends on the friends list.
the playstation store includes down loadable content full games hd movies game trailers and multiplayer demos.
Friends list can exchange text audio and video massages.
built in internet so people can browse the internet. people can also download themes for the playstation using the internet straight onto the hard drive.
Playstation home means people can create avatars and hang out with friends in a real world situation. this includes playing bowling and decorating your house and going round each ohers homes.
the online includes multiplayer games, ability to enter tournaments and competitions.
360 v playstation3 online
It appears that from opinion and gamer experience that xbox live is the better of the two online gaming experience.
Many people feel that xbox live has better and more add ons and it allows the gamer to do more things ie talk message friends view game demos ect.
The quality of the online gaming experience is also very much in favour of xbox live with many people expressing their annoyance of the reliability of the playstation online service with the server frequently crashing. Whereas the xbox live gamers experience very little problems with their online game play.
In this case it shows you get what you pay for with xbox live seem superior in most if not every aspect.
PS3 vs Xbox
Why is Playstation3 Online play free?
The reason for this is probably to differentiate from the other products e.g. Xbox Live (where you have to pay to play online). By advertising the fact that it's free to play online with friends and family is probably a main aspect that stands out to gamers. Because PS3 is also more expensive than the Xbox, this may be another reason online play is free. Also you are required to have Broadband already, although this doesn't affect Sony.
Is it as interactive?
Both the PS3 and the Xbox Live are very interactive in terms of their online play. Therefore, I don't think one is better than the other because they both follow the same concept. PS3 owners will benefit from the 'open platform policy from SCEA' which will allow more freedom and creativity when it comes to their online services as well as multiplayer games across the network; communicate with other players via chat, voice or video; browse the web; download gaming content; store/view pictures and video; download and listen to music; and shop online. Xbox owners will benefit from
The reason for this is probably to differentiate from the other products e.g. Xbox Live (where you have to pay to play online). By advertising the fact that it's free to play online with friends and family is probably a main aspect that stands out to gamers. Because PS3 is also more expensive than the Xbox, this may be another reason online play is free. Also you are required to have Broadband already, although this doesn't affect Sony.
Is it as interactive?
Both the PS3 and the Xbox Live are very interactive in terms of their online play. Therefore, I don't think one is better than the other because they both follow the same concept. PS3 owners will benefit from the 'open platform policy from SCEA' which will allow more freedom and creativity when it comes to their online services as well as multiplayer games across the network; communicate with other players via chat, voice or video; browse the web; download gaming content; store/view pictures and video; download and listen to music; and shop online. Xbox owners will benefit from
Playstation network features
- PlayStation Network is a free to access for everyone
- interactive environment where you can play online multiplayer games
- dual shock controller with motion sensor, could mean its more interactive kind of like the Nintendo Wii.
- chat to friends and people around the world
- surf the web - google, or any other website.
- features: BBC iPlayer, games, movies, music, internet, photos, accessories, remote play-(can connect to a PSP
the price of the playstation 3 is higher than that for the xbox 360. this higher price therefore pays for the free online network, also it has a blu-ray player built in as a USP.
PlayStation 3
What can you do?
- Exchange text, audio and video messages with friends and family
- stay on top of your contacts
- You get a globally unique online ID
- Multiplayer games
- enter regular tournaments and competitions
- create and share content with other PlayStation Network users
- Go online using the PS3 and PSP system's in-built Internet browser
Are the features as good?
The Xbox live and playstation 3 are equal in terms of quality and the features available to use.
Is it interactive?
Yes, there are motion senses in the controllers, so you can tilt controller.
Why is it free?
Because the PlayStation 3 console is more expensive than the Xbox to buy initially, because the PS3 has more built in features with the price being quite expensive, the features that are included are better than the Xbox, which is cheaper.
- Exchange text, audio and video messages with friends and family
- stay on top of your contacts
- You get a globally unique online ID
- Multiplayer games
- enter regular tournaments and competitions
- create and share content with other PlayStation Network users
- Go online using the PS3 and PSP system's in-built Internet browser
Are the features as good?
The Xbox live and playstation 3 are equal in terms of quality and the features available to use.
Is it interactive?
Yes, there are motion senses in the controllers, so you can tilt controller.
Why is it free?
Because the PlayStation 3 console is more expensive than the Xbox to buy initially, because the PS3 has more built in features with the price being quite expensive, the features that are included are better than the Xbox, which is cheaper.
PlayStation Network
The PlayStation network is in many ways the same as the xbox live. It allows you to surf the internet, communicate with friends via instant messengers, audio and video. It has its own store, like the xbox. Offering exclusive content downloads, for the PSP and PS3. High Definition films and game trailers. It also gives you early access to betas and multiplayer demo's. Like the xbox you create your own unique ID, which gives you the option to take part in multiplayer games, online tournaments and competitions. You can also share your content with other online users.
The PlayStation Network is free, this is likely to be because Sony is its creator and is a well known wealthy brand. They can afford to give it away as their console is more expensive than others to begin with.
The PlayStation Network is free, this is likely to be because Sony is its creator and is a well known wealthy brand. They can afford to give it away as their console is more expensive than others to begin with.
Saturday 8 May 2010
Research on 'Crash nitro kart'
Overview of Crash Nitro Kart and the Crash bandicoot series and themes.
Crash Nitro Kart is a 2003 racing video game developed by Vicarious Visions and published by Universal Interactive (now Vivendi Games) for the PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, Xbox, Game Boy Advance and N-Gage. The home console and Game Boy Advance versions were released in North America on November 11, 2003, in Europe on November 28, 2003 and in Australia on December 4, 2003; The PlayStation 2 version was rereleased for the Sony Greatest Hits line-up on December 2004 and for the Platinum Range on August 27, 2004 The Xbox version was rereleased for the Platinum Family Hits line-up on 2005. The N-Gage version of the game was released in Europe on June 30, 2004 and in North America on July 28, 2004. The mobile phone version was released on September 20, 2004.
The game is the ninth installment in the Crash Bandicoot series. It is an indirect sequel to Crash Team Racing and the first full motion video based game in the series. The game's story centers on the abduction of Crash Bandicoot, along with other characters in the series, by the ruthless dictator Emperor Velo XXVII. Threatening to destroy the Earth if they refuse, he forces them all to race in his gigantic coliseum for the entertainment of his subjects.
Crash Nitro Kart received mixed reviews, with reviews varying from version to version. The home console version was met with generally fair reviews. Reviewers dismissed the game as a generic kart racer, but commented positively on its "power slide" system. The Game Boy Advance version earned slightly better reviews than the console version, while reviews for the N-Gage version were middling, with much of the criticism going to the game's "tunnel vision".
Distribution
At the time of release, crash nitro kart game was found in physical stores such as game, HMV, game station, and other multi-item stores such as Argos and toys'r'us. Nowadays, to get hold of the game, a consumer would have to purchase online through stores such as amazon.co.uk/com. an alternative way of getting hold of the game would be through trade-ins in stores where the game was originally sold. This would be a used game which gives the stores a benefit to make more profit on one game being re-sold to the consumer, also letting the consumer buy at a discounted price. A disadvantage though, for the consumer, would be that the disk the game is on may not be at an ideal standard and therefore may put them off of buying this way.
Consumption
For the consumption
Friday 7 May 2010
Stages of production for Tetris
Developers
Tetris was designed by Alexey Pazhitnov from the Soviet Union on the 6th June 1984, while working at the Soviet Academy of Sciences with Dmitry Pavlovsky and Vadim Gerasimov ported it to the IMB PC.
Publishers
Spectrum HoloByte bought the rights for the PC version of Tetris and released the game in the United States in 1986.
In 1987 Andromeda a British software company obtained the copyright licensing for the IBM PC and other home computer system.
In 1988 the Soviet government began to market the rights to Tetris through an organization called Elektronorgtechnica or Elorg.
In 1989 Nintendo owned the rights for Tetris and was taken up by a Dutch publisher called Henk Rogers.
Distributors
The biggest distributor from 1989 of the Tetris game was Nintendo as Tetris on the Game Boy was the most popular version of the game avaliable which sold over 70 million copies. However since the release of Tetris for mobile phones in 2005 they sold over 100 million copies of the game in just 5 years.
Marketing
Tetris has so many different versions of it, making it very easy for consumers to buy it. It can be brought in shops like Game or mail ordered from websites like Amazon for around £3 for the original Game Boy version, it is also avaliable on most mobile phones today as it either comes standard with the phone or is easily downloadable for it off the mobile interent usually around £2. Tetris can now be brought and downloaded off itunes for almost all the ipods released for £3.99 and is also downloadable from the app store on the iphones for a variety of prices.
Consumption
Tetris is mostly played on handheld consoles such as the Game Boy, mobile phone or the ipod as it is a simple game that doesn't require a high powered console to play it. It was also availiable on PC and many other various consoles. Tetris is not an online game however highscores have been posted on internet sites and forums.
Tetris was designed by Alexey Pazhitnov from the Soviet Union on the 6th June 1984, while working at the Soviet Academy of Sciences with Dmitry Pavlovsky and Vadim Gerasimov ported it to the IMB PC.
Publishers
Spectrum HoloByte bought the rights for the PC version of Tetris and released the game in the United States in 1986.
In 1987 Andromeda a British software company obtained the copyright licensing for the IBM PC and other home computer system.
In 1988 the Soviet government began to market the rights to Tetris through an organization called Elektronorgtechnica or Elorg.
In 1989 Nintendo owned the rights for Tetris and was taken up by a Dutch publisher called Henk Rogers.
Distributors
The biggest distributor from 1989 of the Tetris game was Nintendo as Tetris on the Game Boy was the most popular version of the game avaliable which sold over 70 million copies. However since the release of Tetris for mobile phones in 2005 they sold over 100 million copies of the game in just 5 years.
Marketing
Tetris has so many different versions of it, making it very easy for consumers to buy it. It can be brought in shops like Game or mail ordered from websites like Amazon for around £3 for the original Game Boy version, it is also avaliable on most mobile phones today as it either comes standard with the phone or is easily downloadable for it off the mobile interent usually around £2. Tetris can now be brought and downloaded off itunes for almost all the ipods released for £3.99 and is also downloadable from the app store on the iphones for a variety of prices.
Consumption
Tetris is mostly played on handheld consoles such as the Game Boy, mobile phone or the ipod as it is a simple game that doesn't require a high powered console to play it. It was also availiable on PC and many other various consoles. Tetris is not an online game however highscores have been posted on internet sites and forums.
Pros and Cons of onlive
Pro's;
hardware isnt expensive
doesn't take up memory
able to carry on a game on any platform
everything is stored online, so no need for memory cards
wont have to wait for a delivery - instant access to gaming
Con's;
Slow internet connection could interfere with gameplay
if servers go down it shows that the service is unavailable, so it shows the people wont be able to use the games
only available to people in the USA
do they have enough money to compete?
people may be unsure about the new technology.
may not compete with the demand for Ps3 and Xbox.
hardware isnt expensive
doesn't take up memory
able to carry on a game on any platform
everything is stored online, so no need for memory cards
wont have to wait for a delivery - instant access to gaming
Con's;
Slow internet connection could interfere with gameplay
if servers go down it shows that the service is unavailable, so it shows the people wont be able to use the games
only available to people in the USA
do they have enough money to compete?
people may be unsure about the new technology.
may not compete with the demand for Ps3 and Xbox.
Advantages and Disadvatages of ONLIVE
Disadvantages
- $15 a month on top of console and game price is quite a hefty price to pay
- You are reliant on internet
- Games servers are not proven may loose your content you have paid for
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Advantages
- Play instantly, no installments or downloads
- Dont need to make memory space as it is all stored online
- Able to play on many various computers
- because of online profile you gan tranfere your saves data
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The Pros and Cons of OnLive
Pros of OnLive:
- Games don't take up any space on a hard-drive, wether it be on your PC or game console.
- The console itself is very small in size wont take up a great deal of space.
- It can be connected to both Television and Computers, both PC's and MAC's
- No disks or Packaging is needed to market the game- therefore saving money and space.
- You can Instantly Access any games with no downloading time- you just stream live form the internet.
Cons of OnLive:
- You have to pay a monthly subscription as well as game prices and the console fee.
- If you have a poor internet connection, gams can LAG or Crash.
- Has the risk of online accounts and information being lost due to viral threats.
- If the server is down there is no way to stream your games.
- online Technology is more likely to have regular issues and problem- viral threats etc.
- Games don't take up any space on a hard-drive, wether it be on your PC or game console.
- The console itself is very small in size wont take up a great deal of space.
- It can be connected to both Television and Computers, both PC's and MAC's
- No disks or Packaging is needed to market the game- therefore saving money and space.
- You can Instantly Access any games with no downloading time- you just stream live form the internet.
Cons of OnLive:
- You have to pay a monthly subscription as well as game prices and the console fee.
- If you have a poor internet connection, gams can LAG or Crash.
- Has the risk of online accounts and information being lost due to viral threats.
- If the server is down there is no way to stream your games.
- online Technology is more likely to have regular issues and problem- viral threats etc.
OnLive
Advantages of the OnLive game streaming.
- Instant stream, no download time. Can just play the game.
- No memory needed, all stored online.
- Small compact console.
- Play on either a Tv, Mac or PC
- Can stream parts of your gameplay online to show other gamers.
- Expensive to use. Have to pay monthly subscription, for the console and then for each game.
- Could be slow, if internet connection is not good quality.
- Internet connection is easily lost. Server could crash when too many players are online.
- Not all games can be played on OnLive, for example Rockstar games.
- No two, or more player options. Have to pay for another controller if there is.
5 Advantages of OnLive:
- It narrows down the games industry structure, so it gets to consumers quicker
- You can try the games before you buy them, so you aren't dedicated to buying the game
- appeals to middle-class people because it would allow them to play games on their computer or TV without having to buy the gaming system
-It will avoid the next-generation console war altogether and doing everything online is more environmentally friendly as no packaging etc
-It will be able to upgrade the its graphics engine to next-generation games without actually having to purchase any new hardware.
5 Disadvantages of OnLive:
- You have to pay a monthly subscription including game prices- more expensive than buying a console
- It could mean losing the ability to buy or sell certain titles
- The cut down in the production structure means a restriction in employment in the industry
- online Technology is more likely to have regular connection problems
- It narrows down the games industry structure, so it gets to consumers quicker
- You can try the games before you buy them, so you aren't dedicated to buying the game
- appeals to middle-class people because it would allow them to play games on their computer or TV without having to buy the gaming system
-It will avoid the next-generation console war altogether and doing everything online is more environmentally friendly as no packaging etc
-It will be able to upgrade the its graphics engine to next-generation games without actually having to purchase any new hardware.
5 Disadvantages of OnLive:
- You have to pay a monthly subscription including game prices- more expensive than buying a console
- It could mean losing the ability to buy or sell certain titles
- The cut down in the production structure means a restriction in employment in the industry
- online Technology is more likely to have regular connection problems
Advantages/Disadvantages of Onlive
Advantages
-A modest £10 a month
-Compatible with any broadband connection
-Games run instantly
-Multiplayer action is bigger than any other console
-Only have to pay for the game once, and can play it over and over
-Data saved elsewhere, so keeps your hard drive free
Disadvantages
-Microsoft have withheld some of their games, e.g Halo
-If Onlive go under, All of the users' games will too
-Have to live in 1,000 mile radius to receive high quality gameplay
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-A modest £10 a month
-Compatible with any broadband connection
-Games run instantly
-Multiplayer action is bigger than any other console
-Only have to pay for the game once, and can play it over and over
-Data saved elsewhere, so keeps your hard drive free
Disadvantages
-Microsoft have withheld some of their games, e.g Halo
-If Onlive go under, All of the users' games will too
-Have to live in 1,000 mile radius to receive high quality gameplay
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Pros and Cons of OnLive
OnLive Pros:
1. The consumer will not have to purchase expensive hardware.
2. OnLive won’t take up any memory, as there is no need to store Gigs of game data on your PC or Mac.
3. OnLive fixes any problems that occur, unlike other consoles.
4. No discs needed, therefore you won't get scratched or faulty discs. Don't need to wait for downloads either.
5. Don't need to purchase a memory card as it saves where you are online.
OnLive Cons:
1. Poor internet connection can effect the quality of game play.
2. No access to games if OnLive's server is down. In this case, discs are more reliable.
3. You have to pay for subscription as well as each individual game.
4. Microsoft and Sony already have strong online game communities, OnLive have virtually created a similar concept.
5. OnLive is using new online technology which is bound to have faults at the beginning.
1. The consumer will not have to purchase expensive hardware.
2. OnLive won’t take up any memory, as there is no need to store Gigs of game data on your PC or Mac.
3. OnLive fixes any problems that occur, unlike other consoles.
4. No discs needed, therefore you won't get scratched or faulty discs. Don't need to wait for downloads either.
5. Don't need to purchase a memory card as it saves where you are online.
OnLive Cons:
1. Poor internet connection can effect the quality of game play.
2. No access to games if OnLive's server is down. In this case, discs are more reliable.
3. You have to pay for subscription as well as each individual game.
4. Microsoft and Sony already have strong online game communities, OnLive have virtually created a similar concept.
5. OnLive is using new online technology which is bound to have faults at the beginning.
5 advantages 5 disadvantages of OnLive
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES
- Onlive could appeal to is the middle-age crowd. Onlive could potentially be appealing to this group because it would allow them to play games on their computer or TV without having to buy a dedicated gaming system.
- The option to just bring along the Onlive micro-console or the small, business notebook you already take with you everywhere is more appealing than waiting until you get home.
- Onlive could theoretically avoid the next generation console wars altogether. While we fight and argue over which system is better. Onlive will be able to not only offer games from the past.
DISADVANTAGES
- If Onlive does not partner up with the right companies, It could also mean losing the ability to sell or rent certain titles, even if they were available in the past, if a business partnership with a specific developer ends the game you've been playing could be erased.
- Onlive will not be able to offer the technological advancements that future consoles will.
Wednesday 5 May 2010
Case study - Spyro
Target audience: 1998-2005 (Old series): Males and females, young children from age 3+, one player game
2006-2008 (New series): Males and females, children aged 7+, one or two player game
2006-2008 (New series): Males and females, children aged 7+, one or two player game
The main protagonist character, Spyro is portrayed in a way that appeals to a female target audience because of his appearance being purple, friendly and courageous.
Genre: Adventure/Fantasy
Production
The first game was a huge succcess and after 3 games on the original PlayStation, the rights were sold to Universal Interactive studios, so now they own the rights to Spyro. This is an example of Media Ownership. The success of the series led to a total of 13 games
The first game was a huge succcess and after 3 games on the original PlayStation, the rights were sold to Universal Interactive studios, so now they own the rights to Spyro. This is an example of Media Ownership. The success of the series led to a total of 13 games
OLD
Developer: Insominiac Games (an independent games developer with studios in Burbank, California, this means they are a second and third party game producer)
Publisher: Sony Computer entertainment incorporated
Developer: Insominiac Games (an independent games developer with studios in Burbank, California, this means they are a second and third party game producer)
Publisher: Sony Computer entertainment incorporated
Development - Making of Character
Idea of dragon was introduced by artist, Craig Stitt and Alex Hasting developed the 3D panoramic engine containing some of the first level of detail renderers used on the PlayStation
Spyro was initially going to be green but developers thought it would be a bad idea as he'd blend in with the grass areas, so they changed him to purple. This could show the lack colour ranges and basicness of this era of gaming.
MUSIC - Steward Copeland, the drummer of the band The Police composed the soundtracks for the first four Spyro games. It was original and portrayed the fantasy style themes well.NEW
Developer: Estranges Libellules
Publisher: Activision
Celebrity voice: Previous Spyro games did not use celebrity voices but in 2006 the series went through a reboot with the release of The legend of Spyro: A New Beginning. Spyro was then voiced by 'The Lord of the Rings' star Eilijah Wood.
'The Lord of the Rings' movie and 'Spyro' attract similar types of audiences because of the focus on the fantasy theme which made the second series of Spyro more successful. This could be an example of Synergy using Elijah's voice to create a larger impact with 'Spyro' using Wood's success from 'The Lord of the Rings'.In 2007, it was announced that the film rights for Spyro the Dragon was purchased by 'The Animation Picture Company'. However in early 2010, Daniel Altiere announced that the film was cancelled.
MUSIC - Rebecca Kneubuhl and Gabriel Mann composed and put together many of the pieces of 'The Legend of Spyro' trilogy.
1998 - 2005 - was a platform game that placed player as Spyro, the task was to free Spryo's fellow dragons from the crystal prisons.
2006 - 2008 - The game starts from scratch and has nothing to do with the previous series.Marketing
Advert for 2006 release:
- focuses on fantasy setting
- introduces old and new characters
- Explains the storyline and challenge of the game
- Music conveys magical/fantasy theme
- use of colour is bright and cheerful
- graphics on advert doesn't match the graphics of the game - advert has finer detail
The game has a website displaying information about the characters, storyline and has games and activities. It also has a link for consumers to go on to to buy the games online.
http://lair.spyrothedragon.com/uk/
As Spyro became more popular, it became available for fans of Spyro to buy merchandises online such as soft toys, key rings etc, these products are appealing to young children that Spyro is aimed at.
Distribution
How or where can you buy Spyro?
On Spyro's official website it has a link called' Where to buy' and it has hyperlinks to several companies that sell the games.
Are there any other ad ons?
No, just one game unlike Sims where you have the initial game and then expansion packs such as Makin' Magic.
Is it available purely on download?
Jess checked on her PlayStation Network and it is not available for download straight to your PlayStation hard drive from the online shop. We are going to assume it is also not available from Xbox Marketplace either.
On Spyro's official website it has a link called' Where to buy' and it has hyperlinks to several companies that sell the games.
Are there any other ad ons?
No, just one game unlike Sims where you have the initial game and then expansion packs such as Makin' Magic.
Is it available purely on download?
Jess checked on her PlayStation Network and it is not available for download straight to your PlayStation hard drive from the online shop. We are going to assume it is also not available from Xbox Marketplace either.
How much does it cost?
Spyro can range from £8.89-£32.29 on GAME.co.uk depending on the platform and recentness of release. However, almost all Spryo games are out of stock. This could suggest after 10 years+ the developers have stopped manufacturing many Spyro games.
Are there any promotions?
We aren't aware of any promotions or Spyro being sponsored by any known company.Are there any promotions?
Consumption
Consumer can play the latest Spyro game 'The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon' on:
- PlayStation 2
- PlayStation 3
- Xbox 360
- Wii
- Mobiles
- PlayStation Network
- Xbox Live
Monday 26 April 2010
Rockstar Games - Review
Who are each of the games aimed at?
GTA Vice City - Teenagers & young adults as it is an 18 certificate.
Canis Canem Edit - Teenagers as it is a 15.
Red Dead Revolver - Young teens who enjoy the wild west, 16+ certificate.
Manhunt - Teenagers & young adults as it is very violent and an 18 certificate.
Ping-pong - Everyone, but especially children and young teenagers as it is enjoyable. Also sports-based people who enjoy a variety of sports.
Midnight Club: Los Angeles - children and teens as it is a fun racing game and also people who enjoy modifying cars.
What is the appeal of each game?
GTA - Killing people and being a criminal, without breaking the law.
Canis Canem Edit - School-life appeal, fighting bullies and conquering their foes.
Red Dead Revolver - Bounty Hunter, third person shooter appeal to people who like westerns.
Manhunt - Violence, trying to complete missions
Ping-Pong - people who enjoy sporting games
Midnight Club - Driving-racing appeal.
By playing the games, why do you think Rockstar Games have been successful?
Gives people the chance to be a criminal without breaking the law and messing about. Also, very realistic in their creation of games, for example, in Ping-Pong the game is very realistic as the players get to change the spin type.
Controversial aspects of games?
Guns, violence, stealing, criminal activity, bullying people in schools and extreme violence, and killing people.
GTA Vice City - Teenagers & young adults as it is an 18 certificate.
Canis Canem Edit - Teenagers as it is a 15.
Red Dead Revolver - Young teens who enjoy the wild west, 16+ certificate.
Manhunt - Teenagers & young adults as it is very violent and an 18 certificate.
Ping-pong - Everyone, but especially children and young teenagers as it is enjoyable. Also sports-based people who enjoy a variety of sports.
Midnight Club: Los Angeles - children and teens as it is a fun racing game and also people who enjoy modifying cars.
What is the appeal of each game?
GTA - Killing people and being a criminal, without breaking the law.
Canis Canem Edit - School-life appeal, fighting bullies and conquering their foes.
Red Dead Revolver - Bounty Hunter, third person shooter appeal to people who like westerns.
Manhunt - Violence, trying to complete missions
Ping-Pong - people who enjoy sporting games
Midnight Club - Driving-racing appeal.
By playing the games, why do you think Rockstar Games have been successful?
Gives people the chance to be a criminal without breaking the law and messing about. Also, very realistic in their creation of games, for example, in Ping-Pong the game is very realistic as the players get to change the spin type.
Controversial aspects of games?
Guns, violence, stealing, criminal activity, bullying people in schools and extreme violence, and killing people.
Video Games.
for our last lesson we had the chance to try a selection of Rockstar games. we also had few individual questions to answer about the games and some general questions about rockstar games in general.
What is the appeal of each game?
Who are the games aimed at?
Bully.
Vice City.
Red Dead Revolver.
Man Hunt.
Table Tennis.
We believe this game was aimed at
Midnight Club.
By playing the games why do you think Rockstar is to successful?
What were the contravertial elements of the games
for our last lesson we had the chance to try a selection of Rockstar games. we also had few individual questions to answer about the games and some general questions about rockstar games in general.
What is the appeal of each game?
Who are the games aimed at?
Bully.
Vice City.
Red Dead Revolver.
Man Hunt.
Table Tennis.
We believe this game was aimed at
Midnight Club.
By playing the games why do you think Rockstar is to successful?
What were the contravertial elements of the games
Rockstar games Analysis
There were six Rockstar games which we played and analysed:
1) Table Tennis
2) Midnight Club
3) GTA vice city
4) Canis Canem Edit
5) Red dead revolver
6) Manhunt
Who are each of the games aimed at?
Table Tennis - Families, young children, table tennis fans
Midnight Club - Males, younger generations, racing fans
GTA vice city - Adults/ late teens, convict wanabees
Canis Canem Edit - Teens, school children, school bullies
Red dead revolver - wild west fans, gun fanatics
Manhunt - adults, fighting fans
What is the appeal of each game?
Table tennis - You can play table tennis like a pro without having to move a muscle
Midnight club - You can drive like a maniac and race other cars from the comfort of your home
GTA Vice City - Fantasy situation of being a high rolling criminal without consequences
Canis Canem Edit - Every school child can become a stereotypical bully in this game
Red dead revolver - Fantasy of wild west period, can play the role of a cowboy
Man hunt - Violence with no consequence
By playing the games, why do you think Rockstar games have been so successful?
Firstly rockstar are a well known company for their exciting games, each of their games appeals to a different audience so generally their company is known by all gamers. Each of there games can take a storyline and turn it into a fantasy world of gaming which is a thrilling experience for the consumer playing the game.
What are the controversy aspects of each game?
Table Tennis - Not as realistic as it could be
Midnight Club - Encourages people to drive dangerously
GTA vice city - Unjustified violence, gun crime, drug trafficking, nudity
Canis Canem Edit - Not a good influence to school children
Red dead revolver - Not a historically accurate representation of the wild west
Manhunt - Extreme unjustified violence
1) Table Tennis
2) Midnight Club
3) GTA vice city
4) Canis Canem Edit
5) Red dead revolver
6) Manhunt
Who are each of the games aimed at?
Table Tennis - Families, young children, table tennis fans
Midnight Club - Males, younger generations, racing fans
GTA vice city - Adults/ late teens, convict wanabees
Canis Canem Edit - Teens, school children, school bullies
Red dead revolver - wild west fans, gun fanatics
Manhunt - adults, fighting fans
What is the appeal of each game?
Table tennis - You can play table tennis like a pro without having to move a muscle
Midnight club - You can drive like a maniac and race other cars from the comfort of your home
GTA Vice City - Fantasy situation of being a high rolling criminal without consequences
Canis Canem Edit - Every school child can become a stereotypical bully in this game
Red dead revolver - Fantasy of wild west period, can play the role of a cowboy
Man hunt - Violence with no consequence
By playing the games, why do you think Rockstar games have been so successful?
Firstly rockstar are a well known company for their exciting games, each of their games appeals to a different audience so generally their company is known by all gamers. Each of there games can take a storyline and turn it into a fantasy world of gaming which is a thrilling experience for the consumer playing the game.
What are the controversy aspects of each game?
Table Tennis - Not as realistic as it could be
Midnight Club - Encourages people to drive dangerously
GTA vice city - Unjustified violence, gun crime, drug trafficking, nudity
Canis Canem Edit - Not a good influence to school children
Red dead revolver - Not a historically accurate representation of the wild west
Manhunt - Extreme unjustified violence
Red dead Revolver:
It is aimed at males in their early 20s or late teens. The appeal of this game is that it includes a lot of violence and fighting as it isn't acceptable in real life. We think that this game is successful because it is challenging and it has a storyline to make it more interesting. However, it is controversial as it includes violence and promotes weapons.
Man hunt:
It is aimed at males in their early 20s or late teens. The appeal of this game is the use of violence, it is fairly challenging, however the fighting makes this game controversial as people copy the violence and put it into real life situations.
Table tennis:
this has more of a wide audience. it can be played by families and couples of all ages and genders. it is appealing because of this range of audience, players can change their characters to male or female characters. We think it is successful because it is different to the majority genre of games such as violent games such as GTA, and it makes people come together to play a game instead of the 'sit on my own' game.
Midnight Club LA
This game specialised as being a car game, similar to something such as need for speed underground. You cannot get out of the car, therefore it restricts the gamer from being violent. It is aimed at teenagers, mainly for boys as it is a 'car' game. this allows the players to play the game in order to get to the top of the hierarchy in the game with the best cars.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
It is aimed at males in theie arly 20s. It is appealing as it has lots of violence and their are cheats available. We think it is successful as it is challenging and has a storyline. This game is controversial because of the violence and graphical content.
Bully:
It is aimed at males, 15 + and late teens. It is appealing as it has a story and the target audience can relate to it as it is in setting that they can relate to. It can be see as controversial as it is not like a real school because of the display of bullying
It is aimed at males in their early 20s or late teens. The appeal of this game is that it includes a lot of violence and fighting as it isn't acceptable in real life. We think that this game is successful because it is challenging and it has a storyline to make it more interesting. However, it is controversial as it includes violence and promotes weapons.
Man hunt:
It is aimed at males in their early 20s or late teens. The appeal of this game is the use of violence, it is fairly challenging, however the fighting makes this game controversial as people copy the violence and put it into real life situations.
Table tennis:
this has more of a wide audience. it can be played by families and couples of all ages and genders. it is appealing because of this range of audience, players can change their characters to male or female characters. We think it is successful because it is different to the majority genre of games such as violent games such as GTA, and it makes people come together to play a game instead of the 'sit on my own' game.
Midnight Club LA
This game specialised as being a car game, similar to something such as need for speed underground. You cannot get out of the car, therefore it restricts the gamer from being violent. It is aimed at teenagers, mainly for boys as it is a 'car' game. this allows the players to play the game in order to get to the top of the hierarchy in the game with the best cars.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
It is aimed at males in theie arly 20s. It is appealing as it has lots of violence and their are cheats available. We think it is successful as it is challenging and has a storyline. This game is controversial because of the violence and graphical content.
Bully:
It is aimed at males, 15 + and late teens. It is appealing as it has a story and the target audience can relate to it as it is in setting that they can relate to. It can be see as controversial as it is not like a real school because of the display of bullying
Video Game session
Game One: Midnight Club LA
Who are the games aimed at?
This game was rated 3+ and therefore suggests its aimed at a very wide audience, from the very young, to the middle aged.
What is the Appeal:
Fast Cars, street racing, modifications
Why do you think it makes rockstar successful:
It is a modern, up to date racing game, that widens their market to the younger audience.
Controversial Aspects:
The racing within the game all takes place on the stress, and may encourage unlawful driving as well as road rage and aggression.
Game Two: GTA Vice City
Who is it aimed at?
GTA Vice city is aimed at the middle aged typical lad gamer, and despite being aged 18, does appeal to the teenage audience, 14 onwards.
Whats the Appeal of the Game:
You can take the role of a character who can break the law with few consequences. You can do whatever you want, which in reality you cant.
Why does it make Rockstar Successful?
this is their main success and most popular game, as it is unique and very controversial. It was the first gane of its kind, dictating a character in his own world. It involvs lots of crime and is what the younger generations seem interested in.
Controversial Aspects:
People say it encourages some game players to carry out these actions in real life. Encourages violence, car theft, Gun crime etc. perhaps suggesting its condonable.
Game Three: Ping pong
who is the game aimed at?
This is more related to a Family/friend scenario to a more casual/recreational gamer. It would normally be played on the arcade rather than other consoles.
What is the appeal of the game?
This is related to the more sport rekated gamers, rather than the crime loving gamers. its a fun, group game that you can play with company.
Why does it make Rockstar successful?
Again, the company are broadening their audience including families, friends, younger gamers and the older generations.
Controversial issues:
They have not made this game controversial so that it relates to the younger market, as well as families and friend activities.
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