assassins creed industry

What is production in video games?

The process of creating the game, including designing, coding, graphics, sound, and testing.

What are the three main stages of video game production?

• Pre-production – idea, narrative, planning

• Production – coding, graphic design, programming

• Post-production – audio, fixing bugs, final testing

What is distribution?

Making the game available and known to audiences (e.g. physical copies, online stores, marketing).

What is circulation?

How the game spreads among audiences after release (e.g. reviews, social media, word of mouth).

How have video game production techniques changed?

They have become more innovative due to competition and higher demand

How does being part of a franchise reduce risk?

It increases economic viability and builds a recognisable brand identity.

How has technology shaped video games?

Through complex gameplay, advanced CGI, realistic graphics, and immersive worlds.

Why is Assassin’s Creed typical of multinational development?

Because it is produced by large global studios like Ubisoft.

Why was Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla released on PS5 and Xbox Series X?

To synchronise with next-generation console launches and take advantage of improved technology.

What is cross-generational gaming?

Allowing progress and data to transfer between older and newer consoles.

How has digital distribution increased revenue?

Through downloadable content (DLC), expansions, and online purchases.

Why is mobile gaming important economically?

It is the fastest-growing area of the video game industry.

What was the value of the global video game industry in 2021?

Around $138.4 billion.

Who regulates video games in the UK?

The Video Standards Council using the PEGI system.

What does PEGI stand for?

Pan European Game Information

What does PEGI provide?

Age ratings and content descriptors.

Why is PEGI sometimes seen as ineffective?

Because online purchases often do not properly verify age.

How does Assassin’s Creed link to Livingstone and Lunt’s theory?

It shows the difficulty of balancing protection of audiences with consumer freedom in a digital age.

What is Above-the-Line (ATL) marketing?

Mass marketing aimed at large audiences (e.g. billboards, trailers, metro ads, YouTube ads).

What is Below-the-Line (BTL) marketing?

Targeted marketing aimed at niche audiences (e.g. hashtags, social media engagement, PlayStation Store promotions).

Why does ATL marketing minimise risk?

It reaches a large audience and builds brand awareness.

Why can BTL marketing be more effective?

It targets specific audiences, increasing engagement and reducing wasted promotion.

Who developed Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla?

Ubisoft.

How much revenue did Valhalla generate?

Over $1 billion.

How much was spent on marketing?

Around $35 million.

Why was 2020 a successful year for video games?

COVID-19 lockdowns increased gaming time and demand.

What is an oligopoly?

A market dominated by a small number of large companies.

Can the video game industry be described as an oligopoly?

Yes, because major companies like Microsoft and large tech firms dominate the market.

What is vertical integration?

When a company controls multiple stages of production and distribution.

How does vertical integration reduce risk?

It allows companies to control costs and rely on proven successful formats.

Why would Ubisoft want Valhalla to win awards?

To build trust, prestige, and encourage more people to buy the game.

How do review videos affect audiences differently from trailers?

Reviews discuss gameplay, glitches, and honest opinions, while trailers only show positive aspects.

Why is user-generated content both beneficial and risky?

It increases engagement and trust but can spread negative opinions or highlight flaws.

How does Assassin’s Creed minimise risk through genre?

It uses familiar action/adventure codes like combat, weapons, puzzles, exploration, and health bars.

How does it appeal to fans of historical dramas?

Through Viking costumes, weapons, battles, and 9th-century settings.

How does seriality help maximise audience?

It keeps recognisable features like hidden blades, parkour, historical settings, and combat systems.

Why does seriality reduce risk?

Audiences already know what to expect from the franchise.