LIST 5 GAMES CURRENTLY ON RELEASE THAT ARE IN THE SAME GENRE AS YOUR PROPOSED

GAME IDEA.

- Rank these games in order of revenue, form highest to lowest.

- Label each one with the developer and the publisher (if different).

- Label each one with the platforms they are available on.

MARKET RESEARCHTo be able to identify and collect information on similar games already in the market.

P2 generate outline ideas for a game concept working within appropriate conventions

M2 generate detailed ideas for a game concept showing some imagination

D2 generate thoroughly thought through ideas for a game concept showing creativity and flair

Outcomes:To develop research skills and ability to use secondary data.To extend knowledge of similar products in the market.

YOUR SIMILAR PRODUCTS REPORT

Developer and publisher information

Platform

Visual style and gameplay features relevant to genre (summarised).

New IP or franchise/sequel

USP

Retail price

Place in gaming charts

Units sold so far/revenue earned (if possible)

P2 generate outline ideas for a game concept working within appropriate conventions

M2 generate detailed ideas for a game concept showing some imagination

D2 generate thoroughly thought through ideas for a game concept showing creativity

and flair

You should also conclude each game with your opinion on why the product has been successful.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Trade Journals

P2 generate outline ideas for a game concept working within appropriate conventions

M2 generate detailed ideas for a game concept showing some imagination

D2 generate thoroughly thought through ideas for a game concept showing creativity

and flair

The game’s official site

P2 generate outline ideas for a game concept working within appropriate conventions

M2 generate detailed ideas for a game concept showing some imagination

D2 generate thoroughly thought through ideas for a game concept showing creativity

and flair

Retailer’s websites

P2 generate outline ideas for a game concept working within appropriate conventions

M2 generate detailed ideas for a game concept showing some imagination

D2 generate thoroughly thought through ideas for a game concept showing creativity

and flair

Review sites

P2 generate outline ideas for a game concept working within appropriate conventions

M2 generate detailed ideas for a game concept showing some imagination

D2 generate thoroughly thought through ideas for a game concept showing creativity

and flair

Gaming sites

edge-online.comgamasutra.comign.comkotaku.co.ukgamesradar.com/ukwww.mcvuk.com

Developer – Ivory Tower & Ubisoft ReflectionsPublisher – UbisoftPlatforms – PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Microsoft WindowsVisual Style – photorealism, similar to other racing titles such as Forza and Need For Speed.Gameplay – Single player linear narrative based around criminal groups. Multiplayer and side missions also available, which run alongside the single player. Customisation of cars is possible. Huge open world to drive in, based on the United States and is quite realistic. However, temporally you can cross the country in an hour and a half1, meaning time is distorted.Interface and mechanics are similar to most racing games, with generic feedback interfaces (speedometer, map) and controls. The multiplayer aspect is more of a FPS element and is relatively new in racing games. As you progress through challenges more of the map is opened up. Another element from FPS is the negative moral implications of the game. Atomic challenges and win conditions for missions see the player committing crimes, (albeit under the guise of uncover corruption). The game is predicated on the excitement of driving fast and completing missions, similar to Need For Speed.112 September 2013 “The crew and how ubisoft is turning its version of the American dream into reality.” edge-online.com.

http://thecrew-game.ubi.com/portal/en-gb/home/

IP - New IPUSP- massive open world replicating the United States. Described as RPG/MMO1

as you can form crews with other players as part of the main game and take on other teams. There is an emphasis on social and co-op play.Retail - £24.99 (Xbox One &PS4)2

- £44.99 (PC) 3

Gaming Charts – Debuted at number 6 in the UK top ten (the highest release for a new game that week). 4 Went in at number 5 on the Steam charts. 5 Currently 12th

in top 40 UK retail chart, 8 places higher than the next racing game, ForzaHorizon 2. 6

Revenue – Ubisoft have predicted 2 million units to be sold in the first year. 7

1Campbell, Colin (10 June 2013). "The Crew is Ubisoft's social racing gambit". Polygon. Vox Media.2Game3Steam4Crossley, Rob (8 December 2014). “UK Charts: FIFA 15 Regains Lead as The Crew Enters at Sixth”. GameSpot. CBS Interactive. 5Johnson, Erik (8 December 2014). “Steam top ten sellers chart: November 30 –December 6”. MCV. NewBay Media.6 “Data and Research.” MCV. Issue823, February 20th 2015: 14-157 Parfitt, Ben (31 October 2014) “Ubisoft expects Far Cry 4 to sell 6m and The Crew 2m as PS4 games sell over double Xbox One.” MCV. NewBay Media.

P2 generate outline ideas for a game concept working within appropriate conventions

M2 generate detailed ideas for a game concept showing some imagination

D2 generate thoroughly thought through ideas for a game concept showing creativity

and flair

YOUR TASK TODAY…

You will have 30 minutes this lesson to begin researching your games.

You need to be making notes, using the checklist as guidance.

Write your games on a post-it and tick them off as you go.

At the end of the lesson you will get together in similar genre groups and share what you have found – including good sources of information.

You will then have period 6 to continue researching your similar games.