Candidates should be prepared to understand and discuss the processes
of production,
distribution, marketing and exchange as they relate to contemporary
media institutions, as well as the nature of audience consumption and the relationships between audiences
and institutions. In addition, candidates should be familiar with:
Below are some revision prompts to do with exchange/consumption
Showing posts with label Facebook. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Facebook. Show all posts
Thursday, 3 January 2013
Monday, 29 October 2012
Social Gaming & Zynga links
Social games are a bit part of many people's lives, maybe without them realising it! They are games aimed at mainly casual gamers but are played through social networking sites such as Facebook. The major company in this field is Zynga - if you have played a game on Facebook, the chances are it will be a Zynga game. Castleville, Chefville, Words with Friends, Cityville, Farmville, Mafia Wars just to name a few - If you haven't played one of these, I bet somebody on your Friend's List has!
The big part of their business model is that they can scale to a massive user base without having to spend a massive amount of money on marketing, somethign that can more than double the cost of building a traditional game. They did this by causing you as a player to automatically spam your friends with requests to join the game.
Facebook enjoys a symbiotic relationship with Zynga as both companies profit from these games - Facebook takes a slice of any real money purchases made in the games. In fact, in 2011 Zynga was responsible for 12% of Facebook's total revenue (money coming in).
The social gaming market has appeared so lucrative that traditional console game companies, such as Sony and Electronic Arts, which target more serious gamers, are starting to experiment with more casual social games for mobile devices.
The lifespan of these social games are often quite short - with many estimated at a 3 month span - so it is imperative for Zynga and other social gaming firms to make as much money as possible and come up with the next big hit. This has led to numerous complaints of plagiarism as EA and other developers have said that Zynga simply copies ideas from other gamemakers and polishes them up and brands them with the Zynga name. It is a cut throat market and morals often come into question! Especially in the last week as it was announced that Zynga have partnered up with online betting site BWin to create a 'real money' casino game. Cue the Daily Mail worrying over whether this will encourage younger Facebook users to develop gambling problems. So Zynga is a company that is often in the news at the moment!
Zynga's Wikipedia page - Useful for a bit of background to this company, as well as the controversies behind some of their practices.
The Zynga Petting Zoo - Marketing campaign for Farmville
Inside Zynga - An insight look at the social gaming company (Note: vid made by Zynga = GLOSSY!)
Useful articles though simply Googling Zynga can lead to the latest news on the company.
6 Reasons Zynga and Social Gaming are dying
Zynga in Slumps-Ville, but social games are still hot
Zynga shares surge after earnings report
EA believes social gaming's collapse is overhyped
235 million people play games on Facebook every month
App Center hits 150 million monthly visitors
Zynga in trouble over Mafia Wars guerrilla marketing
Bingo! Facebook gambles on games using real money, not credits, to engage users
Zynga makes first move into 'real money' games, partners with Bwin
EA sues Zynga for copying The Sims Social
Indie developer calls Zynga out over plagiarism
EA makes millions using Facebook Ads for Battlefield 3
The big part of their business model is that they can scale to a massive user base without having to spend a massive amount of money on marketing, somethign that can more than double the cost of building a traditional game. They did this by causing you as a player to automatically spam your friends with requests to join the game.
Facebook enjoys a symbiotic relationship with Zynga as both companies profit from these games - Facebook takes a slice of any real money purchases made in the games. In fact, in 2011 Zynga was responsible for 12% of Facebook's total revenue (money coming in).
The social gaming market has appeared so lucrative that traditional console game companies, such as Sony and Electronic Arts, which target more serious gamers, are starting to experiment with more casual social games for mobile devices.
The lifespan of these social games are often quite short - with many estimated at a 3 month span - so it is imperative for Zynga and other social gaming firms to make as much money as possible and come up with the next big hit. This has led to numerous complaints of plagiarism as EA and other developers have said that Zynga simply copies ideas from other gamemakers and polishes them up and brands them with the Zynga name. It is a cut throat market and morals often come into question! Especially in the last week as it was announced that Zynga have partnered up with online betting site BWin to create a 'real money' casino game. Cue the Daily Mail worrying over whether this will encourage younger Facebook users to develop gambling problems. So Zynga is a company that is often in the news at the moment!
Zynga's Wikipedia page - Useful for a bit of background to this company, as well as the controversies behind some of their practices.
The Zynga Petting Zoo - Marketing campaign for Farmville
Inside Zynga - An insight look at the social gaming company (Note: vid made by Zynga = GLOSSY!)
Useful articles though simply Googling Zynga can lead to the latest news on the company.
6 Reasons Zynga and Social Gaming are dying
Zynga in Slumps-Ville, but social games are still hot
Zynga shares surge after earnings report
EA believes social gaming's collapse is overhyped
235 million people play games on Facebook every month
App Center hits 150 million monthly visitors
Zynga in trouble over Mafia Wars guerrilla marketing
Bingo! Facebook gambles on games using real money, not credits, to engage users
Zynga makes first move into 'real money' games, partners with Bwin
EA sues Zynga for copying The Sims Social
Indie developer calls Zynga out over plagiarism
EA makes millions using Facebook Ads for Battlefield 3
Lesson 12 - Social Gaming
Social gaming
Starter Task:
When you log in and get onto this Blog, go to this link and answer the question on screen.
The lesson's PowerPoint is behind the cut
Starter Task:
When you log in and get onto this Blog, go to this link and answer the question on screen.
The lesson's PowerPoint is behind the cut
Thursday, 25 October 2012
GTA5 news coming... in November!
I'm sure you have all read this as you're all checking the Rockstar Games website for snippets of news on a daily basic (Really? Just me then...) but they have released........
a piece of artwork. Click below to enlarge.
"Lots of info coming next month. Get ready.
For now, enjoy this first official artwork release from Grand Theft Auto V."
And that's it.
See for yourself here.
TEASE! *dies*
If you haven't already, do add Rockstar Games on Facebook. Cough, Viral Marketing.
https://www.facebook.com/rockstargames
See how they use this platform for drawing us in.
Following the artwork release they created a new Facebook page dedicated to GTAV https://www.facebook.com/rockstargames#!/grandtheftautoV
http://uk.ign.com/wikis/grand-theft-auto-5?objectid=20587
IGN have made a Wiki for GTA 5 that will be added to as and when new information is, ahem, leaked to the public. As we want to be mentioning anything to do with Rockstar and GTA in the exam, it would be wise to pay this page a visit a few times before the exam as things WILL start heating up in the GTA-promotion market just as we get to crunch time for revision.
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
F2P Summit: The 15 golden rules of free-to-play
Speaking at the F2P Summit in London this morning, Gamesbrief’s Nicholas Lovell gave an enlightening talk in which he gave the audience his 15 golden rules for free-to-play game design. Lovell is well-placed to advise the delegates at this, the conference’s second year: he advises a number of studios large and small on how to succeed – though he admitted his advice was slightly biased towards mobile because that’s where most of his clients are operating. What follows, though, is not solely of use for those making mobile games, but contains valuable advice for those working elsewhere. The principles are broadly the same, whether on console, PC, Facebook or the App Store.
http://www.edge-online.com/features/f2p-summit-the-15-golden-rules-of-free-to-play-game-design/
(Text beyond the cut)
Sunday, 19 August 2012
What is a video game?
Before we start our examination of the industry we need to get it straight what it is we are talking about. Please have a read below of the article by Nadia Oxford on http://gametheoryonline.com/
What, by definition, is a “video game?” Earth’s greatest scholars agree that it has something to do with sitting in front of the television and rescuing princesses, usually by way of manipulating a controller that is attached to a game box, which, in turn, is attached to a television.
While that description of a video game isn’t necessarily incorrect, it’s about ten years out of date. Console and PC gaming is still very relevant, but now it’s supplemented by alternative methods of gaming–many of which are free, or at least very easy on the wallet.
When you think of video games, make sure you leave some brain space for its offshoots, including:
Portable Games — It was Nintendo engineer Gunpei Yokoi who realized, as far back as 1980, that commuters might appreciate being able to play electronic games on the go. The Game & Watch series of games was subsequently born, each with its own self-contained game (often an adaptation of an arcade hit) and a built-in liquid crystal display.
In 1989, Nintendo released the Game Boy, a handheld gaming system that could switch out game cartridges. The handheld gaming market exploded from thereon, with Nintendo generally holding the biggest pieces of the pie thanks to hit portable systems like the Game Boy Advance and the Nintendo DS.
Whereas portable games were once simplified versions of console games, or else designed in a way that kept them from using too many resources, modern handheld systems like the Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation Vita are capable of displaying graphics on par with a console. Portable games can be purchased at retail, or downloaded via a system’s specific online store. Portable games are also currently facing a lot of competition from:
iOS/Smartphone Games — The term “iOS game” refers to any game that’s running off Apple’s mobile operating system. iOS games can include titles for the iPad and iPod Touch line of tablets/music players, but it’s most commonly used to identify a game that’s running on the iPhone.
iOS games are typically simpler than console or handheld games; you’ll find a lot of quick distractions and compelling puzzle games. However, the market is quickly becoming more complex, and the general low price of iOS games (which are bought and downloaded via Apple’s App Store–unlike handheld gaming systems, there is no physical media involved) make them good impulse buys.
Smartphones that run on Google’s Android operating system are also a popular choice for on-the-go gaming.
Downloadable Games — Pertains to games that are downloaded from an online store, as opposed to games that are published on a physical medium, like a disc or a game card. Downloadable games can be just as complex as console games that are bought at retail (in fact, PC gamers favour downloading big releases on Steam, a PC-based online distribution platform), though smaller, casual games are very popular, too. Downloadable games are usually cheaper than titles bought at retail. Popular distribution platforms include Steam, Xbox Live Arcade, the Wii Shop Channel, the Nintendo DSi Store, the Nintendo 3DS eShop, PlayStation Network, and the App Store.
Free-to-Play Games — Free-to-play games are, as the name suggests, free to play. Typically, these games run on web browsers, or on iOS platforms. They’re free to download and you can usually play them for as long as you want–though most of these games lock up a certain portion of their content until you pay for said content through an electronic transaction (usually via a credit card). These “microtransactions” are typically a few dollars, though most free-to-play games do offer you the chance to purchase super-cool items for much larger sums of money.
Social/Facebook Games — Social games have made a recent splash in the gaming landscape. Social games encourage sharing between players, and run off social networks as a result, with Facebook being the most popular. Usually, players are tasked with building towards or maintaining a goal, and are rewarded for interacting with each other, and for getting friends to play along, too. Most social games fall under the free-to-play category as well.
Zynga is currently by far the biggest developer and distributor of social games. Some of Zynga’s most popular works include FarmVille, CityVille, and Mafia Wars.
Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs) — MMOGs usually offer a big world for the player to explore. In this world, players can communicate with each other, unite to complete goals, or even compete. MMOGs tend to be deep and complex, with one of the most famous examples of the genre being Blizzard’s World of Warcraft.
Many MMOGs can be played on an Internet browser and cover a multitude of genres. It’s an especially popular market for kids thanks to games like Free Realms (Fantasy), Moshi Monsters (Fantasy/Educational) and NeoPets (Virtual Pets).
Depending on the game, MMOGs can follow the free-to-play formula, or require a monthly subscription from the player. Oftentimes, the game can be played for free until a certain level is reached, and then a subscription is required.
Triple A/”Blockbuster” Games — There’s still a place in the market for big-budget games that spend two years or better in development. These are the high-profile, widely-advertised games that are sometimes referred to as “Blockbuster” games. On a Nintendo console, it might be a new Legend of Zelda game; on the PlayStation 3, the Xbox 360, and/or the PC, it might be a new Call of Duty or Halo title. Blockbuster games tend to be developed with the core gamer in mind, though everyone is invited to enjoy them.
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What, by definition, is a “video game?” Earth’s greatest scholars agree that it has something to do with sitting in front of the television and rescuing princesses, usually by way of manipulating a controller that is attached to a game box, which, in turn, is attached to a television.
While that description of a video game isn’t necessarily incorrect, it’s about ten years out of date. Console and PC gaming is still very relevant, but now it’s supplemented by alternative methods of gaming–many of which are free, or at least very easy on the wallet.
When you think of video games, make sure you leave some brain space for its offshoots, including:
Portable Games — It was Nintendo engineer Gunpei Yokoi who realized, as far back as 1980, that commuters might appreciate being able to play electronic games on the go. The Game & Watch series of games was subsequently born, each with its own self-contained game (often an adaptation of an arcade hit) and a built-in liquid crystal display.
In 1989, Nintendo released the Game Boy, a handheld gaming system that could switch out game cartridges. The handheld gaming market exploded from thereon, with Nintendo generally holding the biggest pieces of the pie thanks to hit portable systems like the Game Boy Advance and the Nintendo DS.
Whereas portable games were once simplified versions of console games, or else designed in a way that kept them from using too many resources, modern handheld systems like the Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation Vita are capable of displaying graphics on par with a console. Portable games can be purchased at retail, or downloaded via a system’s specific online store. Portable games are also currently facing a lot of competition from:
iOS/Smartphone Games — The term “iOS game” refers to any game that’s running off Apple’s mobile operating system. iOS games can include titles for the iPad and iPod Touch line of tablets/music players, but it’s most commonly used to identify a game that’s running on the iPhone.
iOS games are typically simpler than console or handheld games; you’ll find a lot of quick distractions and compelling puzzle games. However, the market is quickly becoming more complex, and the general low price of iOS games (which are bought and downloaded via Apple’s App Store–unlike handheld gaming systems, there is no physical media involved) make them good impulse buys.
Smartphones that run on Google’s Android operating system are also a popular choice for on-the-go gaming.
Downloadable Games — Pertains to games that are downloaded from an online store, as opposed to games that are published on a physical medium, like a disc or a game card. Downloadable games can be just as complex as console games that are bought at retail (in fact, PC gamers favour downloading big releases on Steam, a PC-based online distribution platform), though smaller, casual games are very popular, too. Downloadable games are usually cheaper than titles bought at retail. Popular distribution platforms include Steam, Xbox Live Arcade, the Wii Shop Channel, the Nintendo DSi Store, the Nintendo 3DS eShop, PlayStation Network, and the App Store.
Free-to-Play Games — Free-to-play games are, as the name suggests, free to play. Typically, these games run on web browsers, or on iOS platforms. They’re free to download and you can usually play them for as long as you want–though most of these games lock up a certain portion of their content until you pay for said content through an electronic transaction (usually via a credit card). These “microtransactions” are typically a few dollars, though most free-to-play games do offer you the chance to purchase super-cool items for much larger sums of money.
Social/Facebook Games — Social games have made a recent splash in the gaming landscape. Social games encourage sharing between players, and run off social networks as a result, with Facebook being the most popular. Usually, players are tasked with building towards or maintaining a goal, and are rewarded for interacting with each other, and for getting friends to play along, too. Most social games fall under the free-to-play category as well.
Zynga is currently by far the biggest developer and distributor of social games. Some of Zynga’s most popular works include FarmVille, CityVille, and Mafia Wars.
Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs) — MMOGs usually offer a big world for the player to explore. In this world, players can communicate with each other, unite to complete goals, or even compete. MMOGs tend to be deep and complex, with one of the most famous examples of the genre being Blizzard’s World of Warcraft.
Many MMOGs can be played on an Internet browser and cover a multitude of genres. It’s an especially popular market for kids thanks to games like Free Realms (Fantasy), Moshi Monsters (Fantasy/Educational) and NeoPets (Virtual Pets).
Depending on the game, MMOGs can follow the free-to-play formula, or require a monthly subscription from the player. Oftentimes, the game can be played for free until a certain level is reached, and then a subscription is required.
Triple A/”Blockbuster” Games — There’s still a place in the market for big-budget games that spend two years or better in development. These are the high-profile, widely-advertised games that are sometimes referred to as “Blockbuster” games. On a Nintendo console, it might be a new Legend of Zelda game; on the PlayStation 3, the Xbox 360, and/or the PC, it might be a new Call of Duty or Halo title. Blockbuster games tend to be developed with the core gamer in mind, though everyone is invited to enjoy them.
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