A game that has limited means of distribution:
Wii Fit needs the Wii Fit Balance Board to play it. The need for this extra piece of hardware means that the game can’t be made available as a download – it has to be purchased from a shop or online store.
A game that was originally available digitally:
Alien Hominid – was a 2D shoot-‘em-up that was free to play on the Newsground website. Such was the popularity of the game that a full console version was created for the PlayStation 2 and GameCube.
A developer that has become vertically integrated
Valve Software, the developers behind the hugely successful Half-Life series, created an online content delivery system called Steam. Initially it was thought this would be for the distribution of updates and patches for Valve’s game, but it became apparent that it could be used for the distribution of whole PC games.
Valve can now distribute their PC games without the need to include retailers in the process – however, they do have a publishing deal with EA for their PS3 and Xbox 360 games.
Many other publisher use Steam to distribute their PC games (eg Rockstar with GTA4), but have to share the revenue taken with Valve.
A game in development that doesn’t have a publisher:
The Outsider – a 3rd person action game that is being developed by Frontier Developments for PC, PS3, Xbox 360. This project was started and has continued without publisher funding.
A publisher that does not develop their own games:
505 Games – a publisher that acquires games mainly created by Japanese developers. For example they made an agreement with developers CML to publish the game Cooking Mama in Europe, but other companies published the game in the US and Japan.
Games that don’t need publishers:
Developers creating games for the iPhone can self-fund development (as they are relatively cheap to make) and then use Apple’s existing distribution structure (the App Store) to get the product to the consumers. (N.B. Apple state that 70% of revenues from the store to instantly go to the seller of the app, and 30% go to Apple.)
E.g. Illusion Labs created the game Touch Grind for the iPhone. Games found on Face book.
Using controversy to publicise a game:
For the release of the racing game Burnout, the publishers Acclaim started a competition/promotion for gamers to send in speed camera photos of them breaking the speed limit. Acclaim would then pay the speeding fine for the entry clocking the highest speed. This of course caught the attention of the press who criticised the encouragement of such dangerous behaviour which in turn help spread the about game.
A game that changed publishers:
Developer’s Sports Interactive created the Championship Manager football management sim, this was published by Eidos. The game was hugely successful but Sports Interactive split from their working relationship with Eidos in 2004. The decision was that Eidos could keep the brand name “Championship Manager”, but Sports Interactive could keep all the game code and database.
Sports Interactive then took their game to another publisher, Sega, and released it under the name Football Manager – billed as from the ‘creators of the Championship Manager series’.
Eidos released another version of Championship Manager but had to create the game from scratch with another developer.
A game that changed developer:
Core Design were a development studio owned by publisher’s Eidos. It was Core Design that created Lara Croft and the Tomb Raider games. The series was hugely successful until the release of Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness which was a commercial and critical flop.
Even though Core Design created the game, it was Eidos that owned the ‘intellectual property’ (the rights to use the Tomb Raider ideas and brand) and found another development studio to make Tomb Raider - another Eidos owned developer – Crystal Dynamics.
Showing posts with label *GLOSSARY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label *GLOSSARY. Show all posts
Key Definitions
Proliferation
Definition: A rapid increase in the number of a certain type of product.
Use: There are a number of different gaming formats, each with their own unique qualities - PS3, 360, Wii, DS, PSP, 360 and PC - subsequently Rockstar have to adapt their GTA experience to suit the format. So the PS3, 360 and PC get complete the GTA 4 experience, the DS, PSP and phone get GTA: Chinatown Wars.
Technological convergence
Convergence of technology occurs when multiple products come together to form one product with the advantages of all of them.
Use: The PlayStation3 is an example of technological convergence as it is machine that not only plays game, but can be used to watch Blu-Rays, surf the internet and organise and display digital content such as photos and music.
Media Convergence
When old and new media intersect in such a way that the way in media producers and media consumers interact changes.
Use: The consumption of GTA 4 is a good example of media convergence as consumers have used both old and new media to alter the way in which they experience the game. For instance GTA fans have used the internet to create fansites and communities to share tips, stories and experiences about the game. They have also developed their own modifications and shared them over the internet.
Or when two different media types combine to create a new experience.
Use: GTA4 uses licensed tracks for the radio stations in the games combining videogames and popular music to create new realistic experience and environment.
Synergy
Definition: The interaction of two or more agents to ensure a larger effect than if they acted independently.
Use: Rockstar used synergy in their marketing by timing the release of the first trailer to coincide with the release the first GTA 4 magazine preview which was in the US games magazine Game Informer.
Viral Marketing
Definition: A marketing technique aiming at reproducing "word of mouth", usually on the internet and through existing social networks.
Use: Rockstar used viral marketing to increase awareness of GTA 4 by setting up spoof websites designed to be ‘discovered’ by GTA fans who would then spread the word.
Guerilla Marketing
Definition: The use of unconventional and low cost marketing strategies to raise awareness of a product.
Use: To promote GTA 4, Rockstar used Guerilla marketing, putting up ‘wanted posters’ over New York, stickers up on notice boards and commissioning works of graffiti that featured characters from the game.
Vertical Integration
Definition: Absorption into a single firm of several firms involved in all aspects of a product's manufacture from raw materials to distribution.
Use: Rockstar Games have become a vertically integrated company by buying developers they have previously worked with, such as DMA Design who became Rockstar North and Angel Studios who became Rockstar San Diego. By doing this Rockstar have control over development, funding and marketing of their products.
Third Party Game
A game made by a company that is completely independent from the manufacturers of the console that the game is played on.
Second Party Game
A game created exclusively for a specific console through a contract agreement with the console manufacturer. (The console manufacturer may own a percentage of the studio, but not enough to give it a controlling interest.)
First Party Game
A game created by the console manufacturers themselves or by a developer in which the console manufacturer has a controlling interest (over 51% of shares).
Game Engine
A game engine is a software system designed for the creation and development games.
Developer
The software developers who create the game.
Publisher
The company that funds, market and distribute games that they have developed internally or have commissioned or acquired from an independent games developer. (NB even though most publishers also develop games as well, they are referred to as ‘publishers’ to differentiate them from the companies that just develop games.)
Machinima
Derived from the words ‘machine’ and ‘cinema’, Machinima is art of filmmaking created by using real-time recording of computer games, virtual worlds or any already-existing 3D digital worlds.
Modding
Modding is a slang expression that is derived from the word "modify” and refers to the act of modifying a game to perform a function or to include content not originally conceived or intended by the designer, and then usually shared via the internet.
Sandbox Game
A game that allows the gamer to ignore the main objectives of the game (usually the Story Mission) and engage in other non-goal orientate activities.
Definition: A rapid increase in the number of a certain type of product.
Use: There are a number of different gaming formats, each with their own unique qualities - PS3, 360, Wii, DS, PSP, 360 and PC - subsequently Rockstar have to adapt their GTA experience to suit the format. So the PS3, 360 and PC get complete the GTA 4 experience, the DS, PSP and phone get GTA: Chinatown Wars.
Technological convergence
Convergence of technology occurs when multiple products come together to form one product with the advantages of all of them.
Use: The PlayStation3 is an example of technological convergence as it is machine that not only plays game, but can be used to watch Blu-Rays, surf the internet and organise and display digital content such as photos and music.
Media Convergence
When old and new media intersect in such a way that the way in media producers and media consumers interact changes.
Use: The consumption of GTA 4 is a good example of media convergence as consumers have used both old and new media to alter the way in which they experience the game. For instance GTA fans have used the internet to create fansites and communities to share tips, stories and experiences about the game. They have also developed their own modifications and shared them over the internet.
Or when two different media types combine to create a new experience.
Use: GTA4 uses licensed tracks for the radio stations in the games combining videogames and popular music to create new realistic experience and environment.
Synergy
Definition: The interaction of two or more agents to ensure a larger effect than if they acted independently.
Use: Rockstar used synergy in their marketing by timing the release of the first trailer to coincide with the release the first GTA 4 magazine preview which was in the US games magazine Game Informer.
Viral Marketing
Definition: A marketing technique aiming at reproducing "word of mouth", usually on the internet and through existing social networks.
Use: Rockstar used viral marketing to increase awareness of GTA 4 by setting up spoof websites designed to be ‘discovered’ by GTA fans who would then spread the word.
Guerilla Marketing
Definition: The use of unconventional and low cost marketing strategies to raise awareness of a product.
Use: To promote GTA 4, Rockstar used Guerilla marketing, putting up ‘wanted posters’ over New York, stickers up on notice boards and commissioning works of graffiti that featured characters from the game.
Vertical Integration
Definition: Absorption into a single firm of several firms involved in all aspects of a product's manufacture from raw materials to distribution.
Use: Rockstar Games have become a vertically integrated company by buying developers they have previously worked with, such as DMA Design who became Rockstar North and Angel Studios who became Rockstar San Diego. By doing this Rockstar have control over development, funding and marketing of their products.
Third Party Game
A game made by a company that is completely independent from the manufacturers of the console that the game is played on.
Second Party Game
A game created exclusively for a specific console through a contract agreement with the console manufacturer. (The console manufacturer may own a percentage of the studio, but not enough to give it a controlling interest.)
First Party Game
A game created by the console manufacturers themselves or by a developer in which the console manufacturer has a controlling interest (over 51% of shares).
Game Engine
A game engine is a software system designed for the creation and development games.
Developer
The software developers who create the game.
Publisher
The company that funds, market and distribute games that they have developed internally or have commissioned or acquired from an independent games developer. (NB even though most publishers also develop games as well, they are referred to as ‘publishers’ to differentiate them from the companies that just develop games.)
Machinima
Derived from the words ‘machine’ and ‘cinema’, Machinima is art of filmmaking created by using real-time recording of computer games, virtual worlds or any already-existing 3D digital worlds.
Modding
Modding is a slang expression that is derived from the word "modify” and refers to the act of modifying a game to perform a function or to include content not originally conceived or intended by the designer, and then usually shared via the internet.
Sandbox Game
A game that allows the gamer to ignore the main objectives of the game (usually the Story Mission) and engage in other non-goal orientate activities.
Thursday, 21 May 2009
Videogames Quiz – April 09
1) Which companies were responsible for creating the following consoles?
2) What do the following initials mean?
a) FPS
b) MMORPG
c) DLC
d) RTS
e) TBS
3) Which individuals are regarded as being responsible for the creation of these games characters?
a) GameBoy
b) PSP
c) Xbox360
d) Jaguar
d) Jaguar
2) What do the following initials mean?
a) FPS
b) MMORPG
c) DLC
d) RTS
e) TBS
3) Which individuals are regarded as being responsible for the creation of these games characters?
a) Solid Snake
b) Mario
c) Lara Croft
b) Mario
c) Lara Croft
4) Who were the developers and the publishers for the following games?
a) Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground
a) Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground
Developer:
Publisher:
b) Halo 3
Publisher:
b) Halo 3
Developer:
Publisher:
c) Resident Evil 5
Developer:
Publisher:
5) Give three examples of games for each of the following genres.
a) Shooter
1.
2.
3.
b) Sports
1.
2.
3.
c) Driving
1.
2.
3.
d) Action/adventure
1.
2.
3.
e) RPG
1.
2.
3.
6) What is the difference between a game described as a simulator and one described as an ‘arcade’ game?
Publisher:
c) Resident Evil 5
Developer:
Publisher:
5) Give three examples of games for each of the following genres.
a) Shooter
1.
2.
3.
b) Sports
1.
2.
3.
c) Driving
1.
2.
3.
d) Action/adventure
1.
2.
3.
e) RPG
1.
2.
3.
6) What is the difference between a game described as a simulator and one described as an ‘arcade’ game?
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Videogames: Glossary of Terms
Avatar
The visual representation or embodiment of the game player on the screen.
Backstory
Videogames often have a brief story section at the start of the game to justify the scenario that the player finds him/herself in.
Beat-‘em-ups
A genre of videogame in which the key objective is for the player to beat up various opponents, the opponents can be defeated in a number of ways. This is a diverse and very popular genre, most beat-‘em-ups will have a multi-player mode on them.
Convergence
In the context of videogames it is the way in which platform developers have moved towards consoles being multi-functional. For example, instead of having three or four different devices to enable consumers to browse the internet, play a videogame and watch a DVD all of these activities can now be done by one piece of technology such as the Wii which is a games console, social-networking tool and internet browser. The downside to this process is that with the increase of multiple functions many of the converged devices are not as good at the individual functions, for example a games console is not as good at playing DVDs as a standalone DVD player.
Cutscenes
The term used to describe scenes in videogames in which the player doesn’t have any control over. They often contain narrative information to justify the forthcoming section or level of the game. Some cutscenes can be extremely detailed to help develop the narrative. Players can find that cutscenes obstruct the process of gameplaying.
Developers
The teams that create the videogames (the software that runs on consoles, PCs and handhelds). Developers may be ‘first party’ (directly owned by a platform holder), ‘second party’ where there is some platform holder support or funding, or ‘third party’ who are unaffiliated with the platform holder.
Distributors and Retailers
The role of the distributor is to get videogames to retailers in order to sell to consumers. As the majority of videogames are currently distributed in physical form (ie on CD, DVD or cartridge), this means getting game boxes onto retailers’ shelves or to warehouses. However, recent moves within the industry have pointed to the increased use of electronic distribution with extra levels or even whole games being downloadable.
First-person shooters
A genre of videogame in which the player’s view is first person, this means that the player does not see his or her character during play sequences. The key gameplay element is to shoot things. Often the game will allow the player to use a light gun as a controller.
Interactivity
A slippery term that is used in many contexts. In videogames, interactivity refers to the player’s ability to exercise control over the action presented onscreen by taking control of a character, piloting a spaceship or driving a car, for example. Interactivity is ooone of the defining features of videogames and they are often called ‘interactive entertainment’, although many parts of the games, such as cutscenes, do not allow such ‘interactive’ control over events.
Killer app (killer application)
The name given to a key piece of software associated with a particular piece of hardware that will help drive sales due to its popularity. An example of a killer app most recently is Brain Training on the Nintendo DS, which has boosted sales and attracted a new generation of older gamers to the console.
MMORPG
This refers to Massively Multi-player Online Role Playing Games, for example, Second Life or Club Penguin.
Mod/Modder
Mods are literally ‘modifications’ to games that change their appearance, structure or level design, for example, but that usually leaves the underlying gameplay and mechanics intact. Most common in the world of PC games, the practice of modding relies on free ‘mod tools’ released by game developers. Most mod tools are distributed freely but their use is governed by End User License Agreements (EULAs), which usually prohibit modders or mod teams from selling their creations for commercial gain.
Platform Holders
Platform holders manufacture the hardware on which videogames run. The three main companies at present are Sony who manufacture the PlayStation series, Microsoft who produce the Xbox series, and Nintendo who produce the Wii, GameCube, Game Boy and Nintendo DS.
Publishers
Publishers provide money and support for the development teams who create videogames. Ubisoft and SCI (incorporating Eidos) in the UK, as well as Sony Computer Entertainment, Microsoft, Nintendo and Electronic Arts are among the larger videogame publishers.
Ratings bodies
Videogames, like other media, are subject to classification and age rating. While practice differs throughout the world, the UK operates a two-tier system within the voluntary guidelines of the European PEGI (Pan European Games Information) system and the mandatory BBFC regulations as determined by the Video Recordings Act of 1984.
RPG – Role Playing Games
A role-playing game is a videogame where the player controls one or all of the characters, and wins the game by completing a series of quests. A key feature of the genre is that characters grow in power and abilities, and characters are typically designed by the player. Players explore a game world, while solving puzzles and engaging in tactical combat.
Simulation
The deliberate artificial imitation of an experience, or a process, with the intention of making the imitation as close as possible to the ‘real thing’. Often used for training purposes where it is not possible to access the real experience.
Synergy
The basic definition of synergy is the interaction of two or more forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects. In the context of the media it is the promotion and sale of a product (and all its versions) throughout the various subsidiaries of a media conglomerate, for example, films, soundtracks or video games. To give a detailed example the Spider-Man films had toys of webshooters and figures of the characters made, as well as posters and videogames, this resulted in the creation of more revenue for the creators of the Spider-Man franchise than if they had just released the one film.
Sources:
McDougall , Julian & O'Brien, Wayne (2008) Studying Videogames London: Auteur Publishing
Newman, James & Oram, Barney (2006) Teaching Video Games London: Bfi Publishing
The visual representation or embodiment of the game player on the screen.
Backstory
Videogames often have a brief story section at the start of the game to justify the scenario that the player finds him/herself in.
Beat-‘em-ups
A genre of videogame in which the key objective is for the player to beat up various opponents, the opponents can be defeated in a number of ways. This is a diverse and very popular genre, most beat-‘em-ups will have a multi-player mode on them.
Convergence
In the context of videogames it is the way in which platform developers have moved towards consoles being multi-functional. For example, instead of having three or four different devices to enable consumers to browse the internet, play a videogame and watch a DVD all of these activities can now be done by one piece of technology such as the Wii which is a games console, social-networking tool and internet browser. The downside to this process is that with the increase of multiple functions many of the converged devices are not as good at the individual functions, for example a games console is not as good at playing DVDs as a standalone DVD player.
Cutscenes
The term used to describe scenes in videogames in which the player doesn’t have any control over. They often contain narrative information to justify the forthcoming section or level of the game. Some cutscenes can be extremely detailed to help develop the narrative. Players can find that cutscenes obstruct the process of gameplaying.
Developers
The teams that create the videogames (the software that runs on consoles, PCs and handhelds). Developers may be ‘first party’ (directly owned by a platform holder), ‘second party’ where there is some platform holder support or funding, or ‘third party’ who are unaffiliated with the platform holder.
Distributors and Retailers
The role of the distributor is to get videogames to retailers in order to sell to consumers. As the majority of videogames are currently distributed in physical form (ie on CD, DVD or cartridge), this means getting game boxes onto retailers’ shelves or to warehouses. However, recent moves within the industry have pointed to the increased use of electronic distribution with extra levels or even whole games being downloadable.
First-person shooters
A genre of videogame in which the player’s view is first person, this means that the player does not see his or her character during play sequences. The key gameplay element is to shoot things. Often the game will allow the player to use a light gun as a controller.
Interactivity
A slippery term that is used in many contexts. In videogames, interactivity refers to the player’s ability to exercise control over the action presented onscreen by taking control of a character, piloting a spaceship or driving a car, for example. Interactivity is ooone of the defining features of videogames and they are often called ‘interactive entertainment’, although many parts of the games, such as cutscenes, do not allow such ‘interactive’ control over events.
Killer app (killer application)
The name given to a key piece of software associated with a particular piece of hardware that will help drive sales due to its popularity. An example of a killer app most recently is Brain Training on the Nintendo DS, which has boosted sales and attracted a new generation of older gamers to the console.
MMORPG
This refers to Massively Multi-player Online Role Playing Games, for example, Second Life or Club Penguin.
Mod/Modder
Mods are literally ‘modifications’ to games that change their appearance, structure or level design, for example, but that usually leaves the underlying gameplay and mechanics intact. Most common in the world of PC games, the practice of modding relies on free ‘mod tools’ released by game developers. Most mod tools are distributed freely but their use is governed by End User License Agreements (EULAs), which usually prohibit modders or mod teams from selling their creations for commercial gain.
Platform Holders
Platform holders manufacture the hardware on which videogames run. The three main companies at present are Sony who manufacture the PlayStation series, Microsoft who produce the Xbox series, and Nintendo who produce the Wii, GameCube, Game Boy and Nintendo DS.
Publishers
Publishers provide money and support for the development teams who create videogames. Ubisoft and SCI (incorporating Eidos) in the UK, as well as Sony Computer Entertainment, Microsoft, Nintendo and Electronic Arts are among the larger videogame publishers.
Ratings bodies
Videogames, like other media, are subject to classification and age rating. While practice differs throughout the world, the UK operates a two-tier system within the voluntary guidelines of the European PEGI (Pan European Games Information) system and the mandatory BBFC regulations as determined by the Video Recordings Act of 1984.
RPG – Role Playing Games
A role-playing game is a videogame where the player controls one or all of the characters, and wins the game by completing a series of quests. A key feature of the genre is that characters grow in power and abilities, and characters are typically designed by the player. Players explore a game world, while solving puzzles and engaging in tactical combat.
Simulation
The deliberate artificial imitation of an experience, or a process, with the intention of making the imitation as close as possible to the ‘real thing’. Often used for training purposes where it is not possible to access the real experience.
Synergy
The basic definition of synergy is the interaction of two or more forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects. In the context of the media it is the promotion and sale of a product (and all its versions) throughout the various subsidiaries of a media conglomerate, for example, films, soundtracks or video games. To give a detailed example the Spider-Man films had toys of webshooters and figures of the characters made, as well as posters and videogames, this resulted in the creation of more revenue for the creators of the Spider-Man franchise than if they had just released the one film.
Sources:
McDougall , Julian & O'Brien, Wayne (2008) Studying Videogames London: Auteur Publishing
Newman, James & Oram, Barney (2006) Teaching Video Games London: Bfi Publishing