Videogames: Horizon Forbidden West - Audience and Industry

 Audience

Look at this YouGov blog on the console gaming audience and answer the following questions:

1) What statistics can you find for the number of male / female players for the major consoles?

Male players dominate PlayStation and Xbox audiences, but Nintendo consoles attract a more balanced gender split. While specific numbers vary, Nintendo audiences are often closer to a 50/50 split, while Xbox and PlayStation skew male at around 60-70%.

2) What is the difference between 'hardcore' and 'casual' gamers - and which do you think would play Horizon Forbidden West?

More casual gamers would play Horizon Forbidden West I do believe an explorable world with loads of dialogue and  real landmarks will attract the average not obsessed gamer.

3) What are the different reasons YouGov researched for why players play games? Which of these would apply to Horizon Forbidden West?

Escaping reality. Entertainment, and emphasising and identifying with characters etc all of them would in my opinion


Look at the PlayStation website page for Horizon Forbidden West. Complete the following tasks: 

1) How is the game promoted to an audience?

Through trailers showcasing the vast open world, stunning graphics, intense combat, and Aloy as a relatable protagonist. Emphasis is placed on exploration, narrative depth, and innovation.

2) What are the key features for the game listed on the site?
  • A vast, vibrant open world with diverse environments.
  • Advanced combat mechanics and new tools for exploration.
  • Encounters with dangerous machines and hostile factions.
  • A compelling continuation of Aloy’s story.
3) What information does the website offer players about the game world and characters? Give a few examples.
  • Detailed descriptions of the post-apocalyptic world and its various biomes.
  • Background on Aloy’s journey to save Earth from environmental collapse.
  • Introductions to allies like Erend and Talanah, and adversaries such as Regalla.
4) What spin-offs and additional content are available as part of the Horizon franchise?  
  • Horizon Zero Dawn: The Frozen Wilds DLC
  • The VR experience Horizon Call of the Mountain
  • Merchandise such as artbooks, comics, and action figures.
5) Applying Henry Jenkins's work on fandom, what aspects of the website (you may need to scroll down) encourage fan activity and engagement with online Horizon communities?  

The website encourages fan engagement by showcasing artwork and lore, linking to forums and social media channels, and promoting community events. Fans can share their experiences, participate in discussions, and access additional content like guides and update

Read this Wired feature on Horizon Forbidden West's open world design. Answer the following questions: 

1) Why did the writer enjoy Horizon Forbidden West?
 
She loved the story, the main lead, the vast and beautiful terrain and especially the realtionships with the side characters and how they were incorporated into the story

2) How is Horizon Forbidden West structured for players when they first start the game?



3) Why does the writer feel HFW created a more successful open world game than The Witcher 3?


Industries

Industry research

1) Research Sony PlayStation Studios. 

2) What studios are part of Sony PlayStation Studios?

3) What notable games have they produced? 

4) Now research Guerrilla Games. Look at the 'Explore' page in particular. Who owns Guerrilla Games and how does it reflect the modern videogames industry? 

5) Choose one of the 'Guerrilla Spotlight' features and write three things you learn about the videogames industry and/or Guerrilla Games from the interview.


Read this USA Today feature on Guerrilla Games. Answer the following questions: 

1) Which three companies merged to become Guerrilla Games?

2) What other games and franchises were created by Guerrilla Games?

3) How did Guerrilla maximise the Killzone franchise? 

4) What did Sony sign with Guerrilla in 2004? 

5) How is Horizon Forbidden West described in the article and what is the next stage for the franchise?  


Regulation and PEGI

1) What is HFW's PEGI rating and what age rating do you feel would be appropriate? Why?

2) Why is regulating videogames difficult in the digital age?

3) Are attitudes towards media content and regulation changing as a result of the internet? Explain your answer

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