Tuesday, 11 December 2012
Monday, 10 December 2012
Computer games revision
Poster with facts and figures on publishing and design/production:
Marketing and distribution facts and figures:
Wednesday, 21 November 2012
success criteria
Success Criteria for band 4:
Explanation/ analysis/ argument:
Learnt how to:
Structure essays
How to unpick questions
The different parts of video games (publishing, design, marketing, distribution)
Crowd funding
Need to do more:
Learning facts and figures
Terminology to add to essays
Explanation/ analysis/ argument:
- show knowledge and understanding of institutions and audience.
- Use facts
- Develop arguments
- Use connectives such as however, but etc
- Relate everything to the question
- Use words from question throughout
- Use evidence from AC3 and DFA
- facts and figures such as amount it cost, how many it sold etc
- Make sure examples arerelevant to the question
- Use relevant and accurate terminlogy
- Such as cross-media convergence, synergy etc
Learnt how to:
Structure essays
How to unpick questions
The different parts of video games (publishing, design, marketing, distribution)
Crowd funding
Need to do more:
Learning facts and figures
Terminology to add to essays
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
publishing
Publishing
In a normal production chain, such as for Assassins Creed 3 (AC3) the publishers have complete control over the design because of their initial investment wheras, in a crowd funding production for example Double Fine Adventure (DFA) a ‘point and click’ game the audience have input on the design, marketing and distribution as they have donated money towards it. The game is then shaped and changed around what the audience want unlike in a normal publishing company. The production costs for a normal production are a lot more than for crowd funding where, for example in DFA Tim Schaffer aimed at just one specific genre for a specific target audience who can then fund the project as he isn’t bothered about how many he sells, he just wants enough money to make the game. He aimed to get $400,000 in order to make the game but in fact gained $3,336,371 in just over a month. A normal publishing company such as ubisoft, who published Assassins Creed 3, will want to appeal to a wide audience selling 3.5 million copies in the first week with multi-genres in order to sell more and gain money. The audience is just passive, waiting for the publishers to sell them the game but in crowd funding the audience are active and have a say in how the game is made.
Wednesday, 7 November 2012
Assassins Creed 3; Further Research
A gamers review from www.tumblr.com
Assassins Creed 3 Review:
Overview:
When Assassins Creed 3 was announced, gamers everywhere rejoiced. Gone were the
“expansion” sequels and our tired, yet awesome friend Ezio. Assassins Creed 3
promised to move the series forward in every way. New main character, new time
period, new city, new graphics engine, and fresh gameplay enhancements. The
gaming media and fans alike gravitated toward the Game-informer spread, and the
first gameplay footage. Following the release of more trailers and footage, the
hype train began. Soon Ubisoft found themselves making one of the most highly
anticipated games of this year; according to Ubisoft Assassins Creed 3 is the
most pre-ordered game in Ubisoft history. It was clear that Assassins Creed 3
was the game to beat in the hardcore gaming season. So does Assassins Creed 3
live up to the enormous expectations? Lets find out.
Story: I am a bit hesitant to speak of the story. The story is deep, engaging and contains a bit of confusion. I enjoy the story a ton and I really don’t want to spoil anything here. Only thing to keep in mind is, you play as a native american in 1776 America by the name of Connor, and you follow his adventure to stop the templars who he wishes to seek revenge upon. There is much depth to the story especially when it ties everything to present day. The story does have dry spots, but toward the end it picks up considerably. My biggest gripe however is the ending. Don’t worry I won’t spoil a thing, but I must say the ending is confusing and not satisfying. I didn’t really understand the ending much at all. However, after watching a synopsis of the story through a video on youtube, the ending was a bit clearer but not clear enough. Go into Assassin Creed 3 knowing the backstory so you can fully understand the events that transpire throughout the game. I wish I had refreshed myself first.
Gameplay: The gameplay is just more Assassins Creed; If you’ve played any of the previous entries, you’ll have no problems here. Not much has changed in terms of gameplay. You still hold Left trigger to run, and climb walls using L and the thumb stick. You still perform assassinations, eavesdrop on templars, perform light platforming, and complete miscellaneous activities throughout the city (like collection fetch quests and helping citizens). Though not all is familiar here. There are cool new mechanics like hunting animals for money, climbing trees, and weather effects which change how you approach certain scenarios. The combat system has seen an upgrade with tighter controls, and a “Batman: Arkham” style counter system. All that is here works perfectly but isn’t drastically new like the trailers and gameplay videos suggest. I will say that all of the classic Assassins Creed elements in this new America setting is really cool and does make some of what you
do feel fresh.
Don’t go into this game expecting a revolution.
Presentation: The graphics are definitely a step up from previous entries, but doesn’t look nearly as good as what was depicted in the trailers. Now this is to be expected because I was playing on an xbox 360 while the gameplay footage shown online was no doubt the PC version. However, the lighting effects, and general city atmosphere is truly a sight to behold. The attention to detail is superb. From trees that rock with the wind, to townspeople holding normal conversation, animals roaming the country side; it’s almost impossible not to be immersed in this huge and realistic world. It’s worth noting that with scope and scale this big, there are a considerable number of glitches you will encounter. Clipping issues, freezing, and missing dialogue are just a few of the issues you will encounter but none of these hinder the overall fantastic presentation. Another big disappointment for me was the main character you play as. Connor’s voice actor displays little emotion so it’s hard to relate or love this character. I feel like they should have made Connor a full cold blooded assassin with a strong personality than just being somewhere in the middle. I wanted a bit more from him.
Overall: Despite this game feeling a bit fatigued and disappointing, It is still a must own game. The story is interesting albeit confusing as hell, graphics and gameplay are top notch even though it doesn’t push the bar like I would have wanted it to, and you are getting one long game. 1 play-through of this game took me 20 hours to complete and I still have many side missions left to complete. Overall there can easily be over 40 hours of gameplay in this one. If you’re looking for an adventure game this holiday season, and haven’t played any Assassin’s Creed games, I suggest playing the previous installments to get acquainted with the story. However if you’re a fan of the franchise, don’t hesitate to buy this game NOW. This game is A PURCHASE IF YOU ARE A FAN OF THE FRANCHISE. If you don’t care for Assassin’s Creed games, this game won’t change your mind much. There is no doubt though that Assassins Creed 3 is one of the best games this year and is a serious contender for my game of the year 2012.
Overview:
When Assassins Creed 3 was announced, gamers everywhere rejoiced. Gone were the
“expansion” sequels and our tired, yet awesome friend Ezio. Assassins Creed 3
promised to move the series forward in every way. New main character, new time
period, new city, new graphics engine, and fresh gameplay enhancements. The
gaming media and fans alike gravitated toward the Game-informer spread, and the
first gameplay footage. Following the release of more trailers and footage, the
hype train began. Soon Ubisoft found themselves making one of the most highly
anticipated games of this year; according to Ubisoft Assassins Creed 3 is the
most pre-ordered game in Ubisoft history. It was clear that Assassins Creed 3
was the game to beat in the hardcore gaming season. So does Assassins Creed 3
live up to the enormous expectations? Lets find out.Story: I am a bit hesitant to speak of the story. The story is deep, engaging and contains a bit of confusion. I enjoy the story a ton and I really don’t want to spoil anything here. Only thing to keep in mind is, you play as a native american in 1776 America by the name of Connor, and you follow his adventure to stop the templars who he wishes to seek revenge upon. There is much depth to the story especially when it ties everything to present day. The story does have dry spots, but toward the end it picks up considerably. My biggest gripe however is the ending. Don’t worry I won’t spoil a thing, but I must say the ending is confusing and not satisfying. I didn’t really understand the ending much at all. However, after watching a synopsis of the story through a video on youtube, the ending was a bit clearer but not clear enough. Go into Assassin Creed 3 knowing the backstory so you can fully understand the events that transpire throughout the game. I wish I had refreshed myself first.
Gameplay: The gameplay is just more Assassins Creed; If you’ve played any of the previous entries, you’ll have no problems here. Not much has changed in terms of gameplay. You still hold Left trigger to run, and climb walls using L and the thumb stick. You still perform assassinations, eavesdrop on templars, perform light platforming, and complete miscellaneous activities throughout the city (like collection fetch quests and helping citizens). Though not all is familiar here. There are cool new mechanics like hunting animals for money, climbing trees, and weather effects which change how you approach certain scenarios. The combat system has seen an upgrade with tighter controls, and a “Batman: Arkham” style counter system. All that is here works perfectly but isn’t drastically new like the trailers and gameplay videos suggest. I will say that all of the classic Assassins Creed elements in this new America setting is really cool and does make some of what you
do feel fresh.
Don’t go into this game expecting a revolution.Presentation: The graphics are definitely a step up from previous entries, but doesn’t look nearly as good as what was depicted in the trailers. Now this is to be expected because I was playing on an xbox 360 while the gameplay footage shown online was no doubt the PC version. However, the lighting effects, and general city atmosphere is truly a sight to behold. The attention to detail is superb. From trees that rock with the wind, to townspeople holding normal conversation, animals roaming the country side; it’s almost impossible not to be immersed in this huge and realistic world. It’s worth noting that with scope and scale this big, there are a considerable number of glitches you will encounter. Clipping issues, freezing, and missing dialogue are just a few of the issues you will encounter but none of these hinder the overall fantastic presentation. Another big disappointment for me was the main character you play as. Connor’s voice actor displays little emotion so it’s hard to relate or love this character. I feel like they should have made Connor a full cold blooded assassin with a strong personality than just being somewhere in the middle. I wanted a bit more from him.
Overall: Despite this game feeling a bit fatigued and disappointing, It is still a must own game. The story is interesting albeit confusing as hell, graphics and gameplay are top notch even though it doesn’t push the bar like I would have wanted it to, and you are getting one long game. 1 play-through of this game took me 20 hours to complete and I still have many side missions left to complete. Overall there can easily be over 40 hours of gameplay in this one. If you’re looking for an adventure game this holiday season, and haven’t played any Assassin’s Creed games, I suggest playing the previous installments to get acquainted with the story. However if you’re a fan of the franchise, don’t hesitate to buy this game NOW. This game is A PURCHASE IF YOU ARE A FAN OF THE FRANCHISE. If you don’t care for Assassin’s Creed games, this game won’t change your mind much. There is no doubt though that Assassins Creed 3 is one of the best games this year and is a serious contender for my game of the year 2012.
Franchises: other half
Franchises
Wikipedia
DEVELOPMENT
Game Design:
Assassin’s Creed is the next-gen game developed by Ubisoft Montreal that will redefine the action genre. While other games claim to be next-gen with impressive graphics and physics, Assassin’s Creed merges technology, game design, theme, and emotions into a world where you instigate chaos and become a vulnerable, yet powerful, agent of change.
The setting is 1191 AD. The Third Crusade is tearing the Holy Land apart. You, Altair, intend to stop the hostilities by suppressing both sides of the conflict.
You are an Assassin, a warrior
shrouded in secrecy and feared for your ruthlessness. Your actions can throw
your immediate environment into chaos, and your existence will shape events
during this pivotal moment in history.
Software:
In its pre-release form Assassins Creed won over five industry awards, including honours from IGN, Games critics, Game Spot and many more. Ubisoft has been using Autodesk 3ds Max and Autodesk MotionBuilder software products as key components of its games for many years and the 2007 release marks the first title that has incorporated the use of Autodesk HumanIK.
Engine:
Anvil (development project name Scimitar before 2006) is a game engine created in 2007 by video game developer Ubisoft Montreal for use on Microsoft Windows, Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, and Playstation Vita.
Claude Langlais
(Technical Director of Ubisoft Montreal) says that modeling is done in 3ds Max
for environment and ZBrush for characters. The engine
uses Autodesk's HumanIK middleware
to correctly position the character's hands and feet in climbing and pushing
animations at run-time. Anvil has been improved for Assassin's Creed II.
Features added include a full night and day cycle, enhanced draw distance, the
same vegetation technology used in Far Cry 2, improved
lighting, reflection and special effects, new cloth system, and a new AI and NPC
navigation system Assassin's
Creed:Lineage short films made by Hybride Technologies (a post-production VFX studio acquired by
Ubisoft) and Ubisoft Digital Arts used assets from Anvil to recreate the
environment in which the live actors are filmed. The latest iteration of the
engine called AnvilNext which is going to be used for the upcoming title Assassin's Creed
III has support for weather cycling. AnvilNext is reported to have the
ability to render massive crowds up to 2000 characters (while it was a few 100s
in the previous versions of the engine). This version of the engine also
features a dynamic game world, where the game world will change itself over the
course of time. This means enemy settlements may appear/disappear relating to
the events in the game. AnvilNext will also feature improved visuals and
AI.
DISTRIBUTION
In the video games industry, digital distribution is the process of delivering video game content as digital information, without the exchange or purchase of new physical media. This process has existed since the early 1980s, but it was only with network advancements in bandwidth capabilities in the early 2000s that digital distribution became more prominent as a method of selling games. Currently, the process is dominated by online distribution over broadband internet.
To facilitate the sale of games, various game companies have created their own platforms for digital distribution. These platforms, such as Steam (software), Origin, and Xbox Live Marketplace, provide centralized services to purchase and download digital content for either specific video game consoles or PCs. Some platforms may also serve as digital rights management systems, limiting the use of purchased items to one account.
Game Design:
Assassin’s Creed is the next-gen game developed by Ubisoft Montreal that will redefine the action genre. While other games claim to be next-gen with impressive graphics and physics, Assassin’s Creed merges technology, game design, theme, and emotions into a world where you instigate chaos and become a vulnerable, yet powerful, agent of change.
The setting is 1191 AD. The Third Crusade is tearing the Holy Land apart. You, Altair, intend to stop the hostilities by suppressing both sides of the conflict.
Software:
In its pre-release form Assassins Creed won over five industry awards, including honours from IGN, Games critics, Game Spot and many more. Ubisoft has been using Autodesk 3ds Max and Autodesk MotionBuilder software products as key components of its games for many years and the 2007 release marks the first title that has incorporated the use of Autodesk HumanIK.
Engine:
Anvil (development project name Scimitar before 2006) is a game engine created in 2007 by video game developer Ubisoft Montreal for use on Microsoft Windows, Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, and Playstation Vita.
DISTRIBUTION
In the video games industry, digital distribution is the process of delivering video game content as digital information, without the exchange or purchase of new physical media. This process has existed since the early 1980s, but it was only with network advancements in bandwidth capabilities in the early 2000s that digital distribution became more prominent as a method of selling games. Currently, the process is dominated by online distribution over broadband internet.
To facilitate the sale of games, various game companies have created their own platforms for digital distribution. These platforms, such as Steam (software), Origin, and Xbox Live Marketplace, provide centralized services to purchase and download digital content for either specific video game consoles or PCs. Some platforms may also serve as digital rights management systems, limiting the use of purchased items to one account.
Sainsbury's only supermarket to increase entertainment share
Sainsbury’s has been the only supermarket to increase its share of the entertainment
market over the past quarter.
The retailer has grown its share of the sector - which includes physical sales of videos and games, and physical and digital music sales - to 6.6% in the 12 weeks to 30 September, compared with 4.6% in the same period a year ago [Kantar Worldpanel]. Tesco’s share dropped 2.5 points to 12%, while Asda dropped 1.2 points to 9.9%, and Morrisons fell 0.9 points to 2.9%.
Amazon
The retailer has grown its share of the sector - which includes physical sales of videos and games, and physical and digital music sales - to 6.6% in the 12 weeks to 30 September, compared with 4.6% in the same period a year ago [Kantar Worldpanel]. Tesco’s share dropped 2.5 points to 12%, while Asda dropped 1.2 points to 9.9%, and Morrisons fell 0.9 points to 2.9%.
High Street Games Retailers Heading for Closure?
The
other day i was in town and i thought to myself, "i'm going to pop into GAME".
Now i wasn't going in there because i wanted to buy something, i went in there
to see as to why i hadn't gone in there for the past year or so. So there i was,
standing in GAME and not a customer in sight. What i did see was a manager, two
members of staff and some, what i would call, "over-priced games". Was it
because it was after the January sales and everyone was spent out or was it
simply because online shopping is now the cheap way to shop?
High
Street Gaming retailers are in trouble. Whilst GAME and Gamestation offer a
points system, where points make pennies, online retailers are selling the same
games from £5 to £10 cheaper. So why would you fork out £39.99 to earn a couple
of quid in points when you can buy the same game online for at least £5 less?
Well the answer is you wouldn't, if you were looking to get the game at the best
price that is! If you're not bothered about saving a few quid or want a game on
midnight release then popping into your local games shop is the thing to do. But
other than that, the reality is that High Street retailers are no longer the
place to go for video games. Modern Warfare 3 was selling for £44.99 in GAME
upon release, Supermarkets were offering it at around £38 and we here at
GamerSpy found it online for £32.91. How can GAME compete with that? They
can't.
In an interview with MCV, Ubisoft’s Stephanie Perotti discusses the potential to sell more than just Ubisoft games on the newly relaunched Uplay store. The new store includes social features, the ability to purchase DLC content by completing Achievements, and everything else you’d expect – and unlike most of Ubisoft’s recent work, it doesn’t take a month to get to the PC shelves.
But would you want to make it your shop of choice?
At the moment, there’s not much to separate it from Steam – some prices are lower, but browsing around, most seem to be about the same. Uplay is integrated into the games themselves. The most notable part is that while Steam and Origin are both primarily desktop based, Ubisoft is going for a wider service – ‘rewards’ and ‘actions’ combining across games and devices.
It's
true: I have no friends.
Ubisoft officially launched Uplay PC on Thursday during Gamescom 2012, its own digital distribution and social platform for PC gamers.
According to Ubisoft, Uplay PC replaces individual game launchers and lets players access all their Uplay-enabled PC games and Uplay services in the same place. But like Steam, users must download a desktop app which enables friend chat and enhances shopping right from the desktop. Game saves and serial keys are stored in the cloud, allowing users to install their favorite titles anywhere and resume where they left off.
“Uplay PC is a great way for customers to discover Ubisoft’s games, connect with their friends and gaming communities, and win achievements and content that’s not available anywhere else.” said Stephanie Perotti, Worldwide Director for Online Games, Ubisoft. “For PC gamers that are already fans of Ubisoft’s titles or have been considering trying some of our classics, this promotion is a great deal, and our way of saying thank you for their support.”
To celebrate the launch of Uplay PC, the company is offering PC versions of Driver: San Francisco, From Dust, Silent Hunter 5 and Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. 2 for just $1 USD for a limited time. Other popular titles -- including Anno 2070, Assassin's Creed II, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, Assassin's Creed Revelations, Might & Magic: Heroes VI, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction -- are discounted up to 75-percent, also for a limited time.
Ultimately through the PC client, Ubisoft customers can browse and re-download their games (without having to worry about OS-crashing DRM), redeem rewards for all platforms, play supported titles offline, browse through the integrated shop, and discover free-to-play games and demos. Sound familiar? It should -- that's similar to what Steam and EA's Origin offers. What this new platform launch means for Ubisoft's support on Valve's Steam service is unknown at this point, and we've reached out for a comment.
Ubisoft Wants Uplay Open to All
Ubisoft hopes to someday offer games from
other publishers through its Uplay digital distribution
service.
Ubisoft recently became the latest major publisher to launch a home-grown digital distribution platform, adding its Uplay service to a field that already includes Steam and Origin, plus independent distributors like GOG, Desura, Green Man Gaming and others. For the moment, Uplay offers only Ubisoft titles, but that could, and likely will, change in the future.
"We remain open to opportunities," Ubisoft's Stephanie Perotti told MCV. "Right now, we're starting the service with our own games, but as we go forward, we plan to potentially add other titles."
Uplay actually launched back in late 2009 in conjunction with Assassin's Creed II, but at the time was primarily a DRM and DLC system. Ubisoft then rolled out the "Uplay Passport," its version of the "online pass," with the 2011 launch of Driver: San Francisco, and Perotti said the publisher's plans go beyond turning Uplay into a mere digital distribution platform.
"We continue to evolve the service across all platforms, including PC, console and mobile," she said. "The more Ubisoft games you play, the more rewards you can get, as well as several online services that players would expect."
Sounds perfectly reasonable to me, but an awful lot of PC gamers resented EA's intrusion into the Steam-space with Origin. Will they be willing to make room for yet another player - especially one who's been so disdainful of their platform in the past?
Source: MCV
Ubisoft looking to join digital distribution battle with third-party game sales on Uplay
Richard Cobbett at 03:30pm September 12 2012
In an interview with MCV, Ubisoft’s Stephanie Perotti discusses the potential to sell more than just Ubisoft games on the newly relaunched Uplay store. The new store includes social features, the ability to purchase DLC content by completing Achievements, and everything else you’d expect – and unlike most of Ubisoft’s recent work, it doesn’t take a month to get to the PC shelves.
But would you want to make it your shop of choice?
At the moment, there’s not much to separate it from Steam – some prices are lower, but browsing around, most seem to be about the same. Uplay is integrated into the games themselves. The most notable part is that while Steam and Origin are both primarily desktop based, Ubisoft is going for a wider service – ‘rewards’ and ‘actions’ combining across games and devices.
Ubisoft Launches Uplay PC Distribution & Social Platform
It's
true: I have no friends.Ubisoft officially launched Uplay PC on Thursday during Gamescom 2012, its own digital distribution and social platform for PC gamers.
According to Ubisoft, Uplay PC replaces individual game launchers and lets players access all their Uplay-enabled PC games and Uplay services in the same place. But like Steam, users must download a desktop app which enables friend chat and enhances shopping right from the desktop. Game saves and serial keys are stored in the cloud, allowing users to install their favorite titles anywhere and resume where they left off.
“Uplay PC is a great way for customers to discover Ubisoft’s games, connect with their friends and gaming communities, and win achievements and content that’s not available anywhere else.” said Stephanie Perotti, Worldwide Director for Online Games, Ubisoft. “For PC gamers that are already fans of Ubisoft’s titles or have been considering trying some of our classics, this promotion is a great deal, and our way of saying thank you for their support.”
To celebrate the launch of Uplay PC, the company is offering PC versions of Driver: San Francisco, From Dust, Silent Hunter 5 and Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. 2 for just $1 USD for a limited time. Other popular titles -- including Anno 2070, Assassin's Creed II, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, Assassin's Creed Revelations, Might & Magic: Heroes VI, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction -- are discounted up to 75-percent, also for a limited time.
Ultimately through the PC client, Ubisoft customers can browse and re-download their games (without having to worry about OS-crashing DRM), redeem rewards for all platforms, play supported titles offline, browse through the integrated shop, and discover free-to-play games and demos. Sound familiar? It should -- that's similar to what Steam and EA's Origin offers. What this new platform launch means for Ubisoft's support on Valve's Steam service is unknown at this point, and we've reached out for a comment.
Ubisoft Wants Uplay Open to All
Ubisoft recently became the latest major publisher to launch a home-grown digital distribution platform, adding its Uplay service to a field that already includes Steam and Origin, plus independent distributors like GOG, Desura, Green Man Gaming and others. For the moment, Uplay offers only Ubisoft titles, but that could, and likely will, change in the future.
"We remain open to opportunities," Ubisoft's Stephanie Perotti told MCV. "Right now, we're starting the service with our own games, but as we go forward, we plan to potentially add other titles."
Uplay actually launched back in late 2009 in conjunction with Assassin's Creed II, but at the time was primarily a DRM and DLC system. Ubisoft then rolled out the "Uplay Passport," its version of the "online pass," with the 2011 launch of Driver: San Francisco, and Perotti said the publisher's plans go beyond turning Uplay into a mere digital distribution platform.
"We continue to evolve the service across all platforms, including PC, console and mobile," she said. "The more Ubisoft games you play, the more rewards you can get, as well as several online services that players would expect."
Sounds perfectly reasonable to me, but an awful lot of PC gamers resented EA's intrusion into the Steam-space with Origin. Will they be willing to make room for yet another player - especially one who's been so disdainful of their platform in the past?
Source: MCV
RETAILERS:
Amazon
HMV
Sainsburys
Tesco Asda
Whsmiths
Game
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