Friday, 23 November 2012
Level Four and opinons on media
Level 4
16-20 marks
Explain, Analysis, Argument
- shows excellent understanding of the task
- excellent knowledge and understanding of insitutional/audience practices- factual knowledge is relevant and accurate
- a clear and developed argument substantiated by detailed reference to case study material
- clearly relevant to set question
Use of examples
- offers frequent evidence from case study material - award marks to reflect the range and appropriateness of examples from case study and/or own experience
- offers examples which are clearly relevant to set question
Use of terminology
- use of terminology is relevant and accurate
Opinions on mediaaaaaAAAAA
- media is good
- i like media
- nothing should be changed
16-20 marks
Explain, Analysis, Argument
- shows excellent understanding of the task
- excellent knowledge and understanding of insitutional/audience practices- factual knowledge is relevant and accurate
- a clear and developed argument substantiated by detailed reference to case study material
- clearly relevant to set question
Use of examples
- offers frequent evidence from case study material - award marks to reflect the range and appropriateness of examples from case study and/or own experience
- offers examples which are clearly relevant to set question
Use of terminology
- use of terminology is relevant and accurate
Opinions on mediaaaaaAAAAA
- media is good
- i like media
- nothing should be changed
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
ESSAY
Assassin's Creed is a video game made and published by Ubisoft for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC consoles, Assassins Creed 3 is one of the most highly aniticipated game of the year as the huge franchise continues. Double Fine adventures is lead by Tim Schafer who proposed a Youtube video and began a campaign on Kickstarter in the hope to gain $400,000 from donators to create and bring back the "point and click" game. Having raised more than $3.45 million by the end of the campaign from 87,000 backers on Kickstarter the possibility of a new type of gaming became apparent. Crowd Funding is where people can browse sites like Kickstarter for people who are wanting to develop projects but lack the funds and chose to donate to this project in return for be involved throughout the creation process of the project. The totally opposite methods could possibly cause a big division in the gaming world as people could possibly rebel against the typical method of recieving a finished game and either enjoying it or not, to being involved in the game to create something more to their specification.
Using Assassins Creed 3 (AC3) as an example the publishing process differs completely in comparison to that of Crowd Funding shown through Double Fine Adventure (DFA). With AC3, which took around 3 years to produce, the Publishers decide the genre of the game and the direction it takes, the audience are passive. Kickstarter allows Crowd Funding and so the audience of the game are involved in the process and instead of having a game delivered to them with all decisions made such as the genre, they invest their money and put forward their opinions throughout the production if they have donated and so become active. The target audience of AC3 is already established as it is a franchise, selling 3.5 million units in the first week, but as a global company Ubisoft continually want to increase sales and this is clearly their main aim. DFA simply wants to receive the necessary money to be able to create the “point and click” game for the people who have shown an interest and consistently make it the way they want to and mould the game to their and theirs and their donators preference.
The games AC3 and DFA differ significantly when looking at the Design process. AC3 operates a "closed doors" policy and so the creation of the game is kept very much secret to possibly make the release of the game more anticipated. This closed doors policy can either hinder or benefit the game as the audience are intrigued to find out what the game is about and so eagerly await taster and marketing videos shown on places such as Youtube but ultimately they have no say in the game and how it turns out, they recieve a game that is totally produced is given to them. DFA operates in a totally different way as the audience who have donated to the production of the game are invited to watch taster videos and give their opinions towards things in the game and ultimately, alongside the producers, help to create the game. Ubisoft want to attract a huge audience to create profit and so they incorporate lots of genres into their game to hopefully attract a wider audience, wikipedia quotes "Assassin’s Creed is the next-gen game developed by Ubisoft Montreal that will redefine the action genre..". DFA's aim is to solely create a game to the needs of their donator in their initial campaign video they spoke of how they wanted to create a "point and click" game but were unsure whether there was other people who would appreciate this creation, they arent trying to create a profit they are just wanting to create an appreciated game.
Assassins Creed 3 has the most expensive marketing campaign ever, Assassins Creed 3 has the main purpose to bring Ubisoft and all the people involved in the process of making the game money and with the millions of pounds they spend on marketing for example they need to gain an even wider audience than before to bring back the money and make a profit, as a profit is their ultimate aim. Double Fine Adventure and its creators however do not need to spend a lot of money marketing their game to target a wider audience as this is not their aim, DFA have already accquired their audience with the money they have raised to make the game and this is their audience. Ubisoft's campaign for AC3 was three months long and adverts appeared in newspapers, magazines and on television adverts whereas DFA did produce posters but this was mainly to send as "freebies" for the people who have donated and no obvious marketing is found as they have accquired the audience. Ubisoft's
senior vice president of sales and marketing, Tony Key, said the game (AC3) would enjoy the biggest marketing commitment in
company history, Ubisoft has collaborated with several retail outlets
on pre-order bonuses available through several store chains throughout the
world.
The distribution of AC3 is online or broadband internet, copies of the game will also be found in games retailers such as HMV, online distributors such as Amazon and supermarket stores such as Sainsburys. There are platforms for selling AC3 these platforms, such as Steam (software), Origin, and Xbox Live Marketplace allow the target audience to download the games. DFA will use a different method of distribution as they have a smaller audience and so can use simple methods such as posting the games or emailing which is less costly due to their smaller audience, AC3 has to facilitate a very large amount of sales whereas DFA doesnt have this problem.
As we can see the gaming world now has two totally opposite methods competing as they offer different methods in creating a game and differ significantly regarding priorities. It is clear Ubisoft through the game Assassin's Creed want to sell a high amount of units to retain a high profit which is contrasted against Double Fine adventures who just want to make a high quality product. AC3 has to spend large sums of money on marketing to gain a larger audience and platforms to distribute the game to the large audience they have accquired whereas DFA does not have this problem. DFA does its marketing at the beginning of the project and if successful has gained all the funding, and more, it needs to create the game and so has the audience it needs with no real need to attract a larger audience. The contrasting creation process is where the real divide in gamers will occurr as AC3 and its "closed door" policy gives the audience no input into what goes into the game and the direction it takes, whereas, DFA offers the total opposite with the audience who have shown an interest in the game being involved consistently in the creation process offering their input into decisions. The large contrast between the different methods and the revelation of Crowdfunding made possible from programmes such as Kickstarter could change the way games are made completeley.
.
The distribution of AC3 is online or broadband internet, copies of the game will also be found in games retailers such as HMV, online distributors such as Amazon and supermarket stores such as Sainsburys. There are platforms for selling AC3 these platforms, such as Steam (software), Origin, and Xbox Live Marketplace allow the target audience to download the games. DFA will use a different method of distribution as they have a smaller audience and so can use simple methods such as posting the games or emailing which is less costly due to their smaller audience, AC3 has to facilitate a very large amount of sales whereas DFA doesnt have this problem.
As we can see the gaming world now has two totally opposite methods competing as they offer different methods in creating a game and differ significantly regarding priorities. It is clear Ubisoft through the game Assassin's Creed want to sell a high amount of units to retain a high profit which is contrasted against Double Fine adventures who just want to make a high quality product. AC3 has to spend large sums of money on marketing to gain a larger audience and platforms to distribute the game to the large audience they have accquired whereas DFA does not have this problem. DFA does its marketing at the beginning of the project and if successful has gained all the funding, and more, it needs to create the game and so has the audience it needs with no real need to attract a larger audience. The contrasting creation process is where the real divide in gamers will occurr as AC3 and its "closed door" policy gives the audience no input into what goes into the game and the direction it takes, whereas, DFA offers the total opposite with the audience who have shown an interest in the game being involved consistently in the creation process offering their input into decisions. The large contrast between the different methods and the revelation of Crowdfunding made possible from programmes such as Kickstarter could change the way games are made completeley.
.
Wednesday, 7 November 2012
Beths half
How do
franchises establish and develop continuing sales figures?
Assassins Creed 3
Wikipedia
Assassin's Creed III is a historical action-adventure open world stealth video game developed by Ubisoft Montreall and published by Ubisoft for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, and Microsoft Windows. It is the fifth major installment and the third numbered title in the Assassin's Creed series.
Wikipedia
Assassin's Creed III is a historical action-adventure open world stealth video game developed by Ubisoft Montreall and published by Ubisoft for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, and Microsoft Windows. It is the fifth major installment and the third numbered title in the Assassin's Creed series.
Target audience - Boys from around 12 to older people around 40 even though
the certification is an 18. Still the same as in the other Assassins creed games
but trying to attract new people aswell.
Target the audience
through the new Native American main character protaganist (Connor) who is noble
and stronger than in the others. It has to be specific in character design for
the target audience.
Also through the
setting, in the American revolution where no other game has been set before but
also featuring the present day.
Narrative - follows the same narrative
direction as the series' previous titles, containing both present day and
historical plot arcs but the latest plot is significantly more epic in tone.
With the worlds end set to occur in months, the game follows the same split
narrative direction as previous Assassin's Creed titles, seeing Miles use the
Animus, a machine capable of making its users relive the lives of their
ancestors, to try to find the information he needs to save the
world.
Gameplay:
The game follows the series' standard open world gameplay in the Desmond and Haytham/Connor Sequences, where the game's main story takes place. New gameplay additions include muskets and rifles, which can be fired at a considerable reload time, or used as a melee weapon. Hiding places can now be mobile, such as haystacks in wagons or moving carts, which can be used to sneak up closer to targets. Disguises can also be worn, fooling normal troops and only risking investigation by officers.
Free running has been modified to allow for more fluid, parkour-like movement over certain obstacles. Exploration has also been modified, allowing for map areas to be revealed without requiring a viewpoint synchronization.
Close combat has been modified, slowing during blocks to allow for more options in attack and defense. Human shields can be taken against firing lines of enemies.
Assassin's Creed III features new weather simulations such as snow, fog, and rain. Depending on the seasons, weather determines how the Templars and soldiers will move around with heavy winter snows making it more difficult to move swiftly.
Connor is able to hunt animals for skins in the wilderness while at the same time Connor himself might find that he is being hunted by other animals (bear, wolf, cougars, etc.). The value of an animal's hide is determined by how, where, and with what weapon you kill the animal. Muskets, flintlock pistols, and multiple attacks will make the pelt less valuable while a single stab or shot with a bow will increase the value.
Another major change is the Homestead. Starting with a single house and a few outbuildings, Connor can perform missions for people in order to convince them to settle near the Homestead, which provides raw materials and simple craftsmen (such as a barrelmaker). Raw goods and crafts can then be used as part of a local economy, selling them at market by caravan. Depending on the goods in the caravan and the level of threat nearby, these goods can be attacked and stolen or sold at a profit.
Assassin's Creed III also features a naval aspect. The entire eastern seaboard is a playable area, and will have its own missions, action, side events, and map. In the area, Connor will captain a ship, where the player can attack enemy ships. The controls of the ship rely heavily on environmental factors, such as wind direction and speed, and local presence of waves or rocks. The sails can be reefed or full open, providing more speed but slowing turning speed and control. Engagements are by cannon, with broadsides covering both flanks of the ship, and swivel guns that can be used as a sort of sniper weapon, damaging small ships, but also being able to destroy frigates by firing into open magazines. Other ships can also be rammed, damaging both ships. As naval missions are completed, the risk of capture of trade sent overseas is lessened.
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassin's_Creed_III
Gameplay:
The game follows the series' standard open world gameplay in the Desmond and Haytham/Connor Sequences, where the game's main story takes place. New gameplay additions include muskets and rifles, which can be fired at a considerable reload time, or used as a melee weapon. Hiding places can now be mobile, such as haystacks in wagons or moving carts, which can be used to sneak up closer to targets. Disguises can also be worn, fooling normal troops and only risking investigation by officers.
Free running has been modified to allow for more fluid, parkour-like movement over certain obstacles. Exploration has also been modified, allowing for map areas to be revealed without requiring a viewpoint synchronization.
Close combat has been modified, slowing during blocks to allow for more options in attack and defense. Human shields can be taken against firing lines of enemies.
Assassin's Creed III features new weather simulations such as snow, fog, and rain. Depending on the seasons, weather determines how the Templars and soldiers will move around with heavy winter snows making it more difficult to move swiftly.
Connor is able to hunt animals for skins in the wilderness while at the same time Connor himself might find that he is being hunted by other animals (bear, wolf, cougars, etc.). The value of an animal's hide is determined by how, where, and with what weapon you kill the animal. Muskets, flintlock pistols, and multiple attacks will make the pelt less valuable while a single stab or shot with a bow will increase the value.
Another major change is the Homestead. Starting with a single house and a few outbuildings, Connor can perform missions for people in order to convince them to settle near the Homestead, which provides raw materials and simple craftsmen (such as a barrelmaker). Raw goods and crafts can then be used as part of a local economy, selling them at market by caravan. Depending on the goods in the caravan and the level of threat nearby, these goods can be attacked and stolen or sold at a profit.
Assassin's Creed III also features a naval aspect. The entire eastern seaboard is a playable area, and will have its own missions, action, side events, and map. In the area, Connor will captain a ship, where the player can attack enemy ships. The controls of the ship rely heavily on environmental factors, such as wind direction and speed, and local presence of waves or rocks. The sails can be reefed or full open, providing more speed but slowing turning speed and control. Engagements are by cannon, with broadsides covering both flanks of the ship, and swivel guns that can be used as a sort of sniper weapon, damaging small ships, but also being able to destroy frigates by firing into open magazines. Other ships can also be rammed, damaging both ships. As naval missions are completed, the risk of capture of trade sent overseas is lessened.
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassin's_Creed_III
Genre - Multi- genre:
- Action- adventure - combines elements of the adventure game genre with various action game elements. It is perhaps the broadest and most diverse genre in gaming, and can include many games which might better be categorized under narrow genres.
- open world/ sandbox- where a player can roam freely through a virtual world and is given considerable freedom in choosing how or when to approach objectives. Generally open world games still enforce some restrictions in the game environment, either due to absolute technical limitations or in-game limitations (such as locked areas) imposed by a game's linearity.
- stealth - rewards the player for using stealth to overcome antagonists. Typically allow the player to remain undetected by hiding, using disguises, and/or avoiding noise. Some games allow the player to choose between a stealthy approach or directly attacking antagonists, perhaps rewarding the player for greater levels of stealth.
sandbox but also set missions and challenges to complete. It is also a fantasy genre which attracts boys who have always wanted to live like that because they can now be part of the fantasy world they have always dreamt of.
Marketing
Ubisoft advertise across a variety of formats to attract a bigger audience.
Ubisoft advertise across a variety of formats to attract a bigger audience.
Assassin's
Creed 3 has the most expensive Ubisoft marketing campaign
ever, with a three month
campaign rivaling big-hitters such as EA's FIFA and Activision's Call of
Duty. It will have TV and on-demand
adverts, online takeovers and a presence on the London Underground. There
are also written adverts with features
in magazines and newspapers.
Ubisoft tweet to adverttise Assassins Creed
3
Wikipedia
Ubisoft's senior vice president of sales and marketing, Tony Key, said the game would enjoy the biggest marketing commitment in company history. Ubisoft UK MD Rob Cooper has said that Assassin's Creed III is a good entry point for newcomers to the series, and that he thinks Assassin's Creed III will hold its own against this year's biggest releases. In March 2012, the Assassin's Creed: Double Pack was released both as a retail purchase for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and digital download on PSN, which brings together the first Assassin's Creed and Assassin's Creed II in a virtual compilation box.
Ubisoft has collaborated with several retail outlets on pre-order bonuses available through several store chains throughout the world. Which of the pre-order bonuses the player received depended upon where they pre-ordered the game. A free SteelBook collectible featuring artwork by renowned comic book artist Alex Ross is available as a pre-order incentive. The "Captain of the Aquila" DLC pack includes a single player weapon (The Pirate Boarding Axe) and a single player skin (The Captain of the Aquila's uniform). The "Colonial Assassin" DLC pack includes a single player weapon (The Scottish Flintlock) and a single player skin (the Traditional Colonial Assassins outfit). "Redcoat Multiplayer" DLC pack includes redcoat costume, a snake emblem, and a "doctor doll" relic. In the US, Gamestop is offering the single-player mission Lost Mayan Ruins and the Sawtooth Sword, Best Buy is offering the single-player mission Ghost of War and the Pontiac's War Club, while Amazon is offering the Steelbook Case.
SCEE offers a digital version of Assassin's Creed III via the PlayStation Store. Dubbed the "Gold Edition", the download includes the game, PlayStation Vita title Assassin's Creed III: Liberation and a Season Pass (a first for the series). Another version of the "Gold Edition" features the game and the Season Pass, but not Liberation. Third version comes with liberation, but without the Season Pass. All versions include A Dangerous Secret, the extra mission available with the Special Edition.
In February 2012, Ubisoft officially confirmed the existence of Assassin's Creed III. Guillemot described Assassin's Creed III as "the true next generation of both the Assassin's Creed brand and interactive entertainment/storytelling in general. We will push the title a lot because it's a fantastic product that the team has been working on for three years. What we have seen is just fabulous." Guillemot went on to say the publisher's investing more heavily in the game than in any other title in the series.
Ubisoft tweet to adverttise Assassins Creed
3
TV advert for Assassins Creed
3
Ubisoft's senior vice president of sales and marketing, Tony Key, said the game would enjoy the biggest marketing commitment in company history. Ubisoft UK MD Rob Cooper has said that Assassin's Creed III is a good entry point for newcomers to the series, and that he thinks Assassin's Creed III will hold its own against this year's biggest releases. In March 2012, the Assassin's Creed: Double Pack was released both as a retail purchase for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and digital download on PSN, which brings together the first Assassin's Creed and Assassin's Creed II in a virtual compilation box.
Advert
Ubisoft has collaborated with several retail outlets on pre-order bonuses available through several store chains throughout the world. Which of the pre-order bonuses the player received depended upon where they pre-ordered the game. A free SteelBook collectible featuring artwork by renowned comic book artist Alex Ross is available as a pre-order incentive. The "Captain of the Aquila" DLC pack includes a single player weapon (The Pirate Boarding Axe) and a single player skin (The Captain of the Aquila's uniform). The "Colonial Assassin" DLC pack includes a single player weapon (The Scottish Flintlock) and a single player skin (the Traditional Colonial Assassins outfit). "Redcoat Multiplayer" DLC pack includes redcoat costume, a snake emblem, and a "doctor doll" relic. In the US, Gamestop is offering the single-player mission Lost Mayan Ruins and the Sawtooth Sword, Best Buy is offering the single-player mission Ghost of War and the Pontiac's War Club, while Amazon is offering the Steelbook Case.
SCEE offers a digital version of Assassin's Creed III via the PlayStation Store. Dubbed the "Gold Edition", the download includes the game, PlayStation Vita title Assassin's Creed III: Liberation and a Season Pass (a first for the series). Another version of the "Gold Edition" features the game and the Season Pass, but not Liberation. Third version comes with liberation, but without the Season Pass. All versions include A Dangerous Secret, the extra mission available with the Special Edition.
They pre-announced the
game to let people know when it would be released.
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot confirmed during an earnings call on November
8, 2011, that a new "major" Assassins Creed game will be released in
2012. Guillemot refused to go into any further detail on the title beyond
its confirmation. Speaking to MCV, Guillemot dismissed the notion
that annual Assassin's Creed installments are diluting the brands, stating
instead that they're necessary to "satisfy the demand". Guillemot also
claimed in the same interview that this year's Assassin's Creed will be the
series' "biggest to date."In February 2012, Ubisoft officially confirmed the existence of Assassin's Creed III. Guillemot described Assassin's Creed III as "the true next generation of both the Assassin's Creed brand and interactive entertainment/storytelling in general. We will push the title a lot because it's a fantastic product that the team has been working on for three years. What we have seen is just fabulous." Guillemot went on to say the publisher's investing more heavily in the game than in any other title in the series.
Assassins Creed 3 Trailer
Monday, 5 November 2012
Franchises
How do franchises establish and develop continuing sales figures?
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.
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%.
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
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Sunday, 4 November 2012
Assassins Creed further reasearch
Franchises.
| Assassin's Creed | November 13, 2007 | 38 million[28] | |
Assassin's Creed is a video game developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC video game consoles/computer.   sonic-nerd
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. | |||
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