Horizon Forbidden West: Audience and Industry

Audience

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

-PlayStation 5= 68% male and 29% female

-Xbox Series X|S= 68% male and 32% female 

-Switch=  54% male and 46% female

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

-Hardcore gamers dedicate significant time to gaming and prefer complex, immersive experiences, while casual gamers prefer simpler, less time-intensive games. HFW i would say is for hardcore gamers becuase the game is around players trying to solve hard challengers.

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

-Escapism

-Competition

-Relaxation

-Social interaction

-Storytelling


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

1) How is the game promoted to an audience?

-There are videos on gameplay, trailer, challenges, game over view, key features and a section on why people should play.

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?  

-A lot of fan engagement including artwork and lore, linking to forums and social media channels, and promoting community events. 


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?

-The writers enjoyed the open world, engaging narrative, and balance between exploration and structured game play.

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

-Its structured to follow the main storyline where it pulls you into the narrative before releasing you to explore. 

Industries

1) Research Sony PlayStation Studios.

2) What studios are part of Sony PlayStation Studios?

-Team Asobi, Bend studio, Bluepoint, Firespite, Housemarque, Guerrilla, Haven, Insomniac games, Mm, Naughty Dog,Nixxes, Polyphony digital, San Diego studio, Santa Monica, Sucker Punch, Valkyria entertainment and Xdev.

3) What notable games have they produced? 

-Spiderman games

-The Last Of Us

-God of War

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? 

-Guerrilla Games is owned by Sony Interactive Entertainment. 


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

1) Which three companies merged to become Guerrilla Games?

-Orange Games

-Digital Infinity

-Formula Game Development

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

-Big Brother: The Game

-Studios Hermen Hulst

-Lost Boys Games

3) How did Guerrilla maximise the Killzone franchise? 

-By developing sequels and releasing games on multiple PlayStation platforms.

4) What did Sony sign with Guerrilla in 2004? 

-A first-party publishing deal, making Guerrilla an exclusive PlayStation developer.

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

-Groundbreaking open-world game with stunning visuals and engaging gameplay. 


Regulation and PEGI

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

-Its rated pg. 16 I feel like this age rating is appropriate as it includes some aspects of violence that people younger than 16 should not have access to.

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

-It is hard to regulate video games in the ditigal age becuase many games with similar aspects have different rating even though they are quite similar which means that people can have access to games that they should not have it to.

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

-Yes it is changing because the internet allows people to have access to games that are out of their age rating which means it is easier for people as any age to see content they should not be seeing.

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