market trends

market trends

products and services;
what is it?
Products are an item that is offered for sale whilst a product can also be a service or an item, a product can also be a physical cyber and/or a virtual form so it doesn't necessarily have to be physical all the time, for example a membership to the Illuminati is virtual and isn't necessarily a physical form. Each product is made at a certain cost that can be adjustable depending on the market.
Services are systems that supply something to it, like sony have their services of playstation network and this isn't necessarily a product
An example of it
An example of product and services would be a product being the game red dead redemption 2 this is a product as it's a game that has been released by Rockstar and the product has done really well since it has been launched for sale.
Why is this good for studios and audiences?
This is good for studios and audiences because a product is involving the audiences as they are the ones who are going to buy it and be aimed at. This is also good for audiences because keeping the fans engaged with a certain product means better sales.
This is also good for the studios because they will get a better understanding of what goes on with products and services and get a better grip of how to maintain them.
Different examples of products and services are:
“Generations” and “mid-cycle refreshes”
The generations for games is basically the most dominant game anytime theres a change in the marketplace leader to a new hardware model that's basically a console generation. Generation alters between 8 bit 16 bit and 32 bit.

Virtual Reality (Oculus, Vive, PSVR)
Virtual reality is a computer generated three dimensional image or environment that allows interaction in a life-like physical manner activated by the person using specific equipment/controls either being a helmet or gloves with special motion sensors.
An example of virtual reality would be the PSVR with a 5.7" OLED screen, 360 degree vision allowing 360 degree immersion  in 120 frames per second allowing smooth visuals. The PSVR came out with a bang with the release of resident evil 7 biohazard making the psvr experience ultimate witnessing jumpscares and being trapped inside a survival horror the psvr was a huge success and spiked alot of other virtual reality headsets to come out including oculus with the recent release of the oculus go and the soon to come quest.
Virtual reality is good for audience because they can truly step inside the immersive world of 360 degree field of movement and get a taste of everything in the gaming side of the world from 3D games to lifelike surroundings everywhere you turn this is a good item to introduce audiences to as they can experience everything.
Studios would also like Virtual reality because it's another marketing item for them and they can truly get a taste of what audiences, fans and customers want in the future.

“Live Services” and Persistent Online Connections
(Destiny, Fallout 76, etc.)
What is it?
Persistent online connection is a game that has no element of single player added to the game and always requires an online connection including a membership (if that's whats required to get online like playstation plus) Another example of this game would be monster hunter world as this game is fully online and requires a subscription to play this game.
An example of this?
An example of persistent online connection would be destiny 2 as the first game destiny was another online connection based game and quite a lot of players liked the game at first, but alot of players enjoy the ability to have a single player in games too because sometimes there is the element of killing other players in a always online based game however with destiny 2 and monster hunter world this is not the case.
Studios and audiences would like this because not many games have persistent online connections and more of them would be needed and great as studios and audiences could create more.

Mobile gaming platform specific hardware (Razer
phone, Asus ROG, etc.)
What is it?
Mobile gaming platform specific hardware is a phone that can also be turned into a mini version of a console with the ability to allow the person to play games onto the phone instead of playing it on their console a whole lot of the time.
However alot of players and communities think the phones are really unnecessary as there are consoles and there isn't a need for a sony phone that allows the player to play games on their phone because they have released the playstation vita that players can use remote play on and play their playstation 4 wherever and whenever they want to.
An example of this would be?
An example of a mobile gaming platform specific hardware phone would be the razer phone because although you can play alot of games onto it, it isn't really a hug community phone as players already have a PC as razer is a PC model.
The majority of PC players build their own PC's with top graphics cards and the razer phone simply doesn't do justice although the graphics are pretty good.
Studios and audiences would like this because players have the opportunity to play PC stuff on their phone when they are at work ad stuff like that without necessarily bringing their whole PC with them and this is a great thing.

Free-to-Play and “Freemium” games
What is it?
Free to play freemium games are basically games that are free to play yet the additional world 'freemium' comes from 'premium' and oftenly means the game also includes micro transactions that although mean the game is free there is yet stuff you can buy that may or may not advance the player to another level or make the payer have an advantage. Many games are freemium for example warframe is free yet has downloadable content that requires the player to buy if the wish to advance onto the story it's also the same as fortnite with save the world which requires the player to purchase to unlock more of the game.
An example of this would be candy crush and often dominates the phone game area. Candy crush is free to play yet has additional item the player can buy to unlock levels and help them advance more easier into other levels etc.
Why is this good for studios and audiences?
This is good for studios and audiences because it shows the studios if the game is really worth it and fans reactions by choosing to buy the downloadable content or extras. Destiny 2 received a lot of critics for the story line however players are still buying into the Downloadable content which shows that despite being a very boring story line that made no sense at all, players will still buy the downloadable content and this is good for studios and audiences because it shows what the fans like and what they dislike.

Paid Online Services and “Monthly Games” (PSN,
Xbox Live, Nintendo’s Online Service)
What is this?
Paid online services are the requirement of being forced to pay to be able to connect online and unlock the ability to play against and with other people online including your friends.
Mnthly games are designed to grab the player in so they pay for these services so they can get these 'monthly games' which is used as sort of bait for companies to recieve more money like sony for example most of the time the monthly games aren't really that good, but sometimes they are so it sort of grabs the player in. Ofcourse they state that monthly games only comes with the priveedge of owning playstation plus and having that subscription so it's sort of an elitist thing to be able to boast about the free games others would've had to pay for yet almost everybody on playstation has playstation plus so ther eisn't really anything to show off about. However most people buy pkaystation plus to play online.
An example of this?
An example of paid online services and monthly games would be by sony with playstation plus and their "monthly games" that uses the monthly games to entice players into buying their subscription for online. However most players choose to ignore the monthly games and just buy playstation plus because they want to play online with their friends.
Studios and audiences would like this because paid online services like playstation plus guarantee free games so not only are you paying for online you're also paying for games and extra online storage.

Subscription Services (e.g. EA Access)
What is it?
Subscription services are like EA access for example. They're what offer the player more items and content in the games and have clubs so example would be rockstar services.
An example of subscription services?
An example of subscription services would be rockstar social club because although they are a online club they also allow the player and community to connect with everybody else and share parts of each of their game play with others and also offer rewards for certain things.
Studios and audiences would like this because it offers the player not only a game to lay but also a community to connect with aswell.

vision of organisation;

Positioning statements (“for the players”, “better on
Xbox” “it’s in the game”, etc.)
What is it?
A position statement is an expression of how a certain product or a service fills a consumers need ina  way that competitors don't.
The expression "For the players" make you feel like a real hardcore player when you buy one of sony's product which ha this effect on the community sony wanted.
"Better on xbox" is how console wars were probably induced as xbox players don't have god of war.
What is an example of it?
An example of a positioning statement is sony's "this is for the players" which highlight a marketing strategy that sony wanted to induce. They wanted the player to feel like they belong and theres this sense of security that highlights the word 'players' which seems like an invitation to be a real 'player' the word has this connotation of making the player feel important, like sony is made for official gamers.
Why would studios and audiences like this?
Audiences and studios would like this because the community wants to feel like they're apart of something much more bigger which is what sony have achieved with their fan base.
The studios and audiences would also like this because positioning statements have a chance to play on peoples feelings and let people have their way with words which allows anybody who makes a positioning statement to play with peoples emotions hence microsoft xbox with their positioning statement "better on xbox" making anybody who doesn't play on xbox feel like they're missing out on literally nothing.

Required online connections (anti-piracy?)
What is it? The element on required online connections ties into anti piracy because being able to pirate an online game is quite hard near impossible hence why the protection of being an online only game with a required connection suits the developers needs and creates a sense of security.
What is an example of it?
An example of required online connections is monster hunter world which requires an online connection to be able to even connect into the game and requires WIFI.
Why would studios and audiences like it?
Audiences and studios would like this because there is a sense of security and also online games are quite popular and in demand at the moment, red dead redemption being a main one as it requires a online connection to play online.

“Live Services” Vs single release game.
What is it? live services are a hot trend in the game industry right now and live services are a sense of fortnite for example and fortnit isn't a single release game. continuously adding free updates.
What is an example of it?
fotnite would be a best example of a live service game as fornite continuously adds free game updates.
Why would studios and audiences like it? Studios and audiences would like live service games as they continuously add free updates

Cloud streaming content (e.g. Resident Evil VII and
Assassins Creed Odyssey on Nintendo Switch)
What is it? Cloud streaming content is a type of online gaming that allows direct and on demand streaming of games onto computers phones etc.
The PS vita has a feature which also allows the player to stream their Playstation 4 to the vita and control their playstation 4 through the Vita.
What is an example of it?
An example of Cloud streaming content is Assassins creed odyssey on the Nintendo Switch as the game is currently not on the switch yet however you can still stream it to the nintendo switch
Why would studios and audiences like it?
Studios and audiences would like Cloud streaming content because an example would be the nvidia shield which allows players to stream their PC games onto a small 'PC' taking it almost anywhere and everywhere with them which is a good thing for studios and audiences.

Cloud Processing
What is it?
Cloud processing is where the cloud saves your data and collects it making sure you don't lose your data files or your backup saves.
What is an example of it?
An example of cloud processing would be Red dead redemption 2 Online, as this saves your progress no matter what and you don't need to manually save. This is great because sometimes players forget to save and end up losing their process which they have accumulated.
Why would studios and audiences like it?
Studios and audiences would like this because it saves the players a lot of time forgetting to not save,

‘4K and HDR’ vs ‘60+fps’
What is it? 4k is the definition of the graphics, HDR is High dynamic range which dramatically improves the graphics with a 4k TV and 60+fps is the frames per second that make the game flow more smoother. However most games have only the option to enable one at a time being 4K or 60fps and there is alot of players who simply want both at the same time causing a massive controversy.
What is an example of it?
An example of 4K HDR and 60+fps would be God of war as there is a option to favour the frame rate or favour the graphics roughly translating to 4K graphics or 60fps
Why would studios and audiences like it?
Studios and audiences would like this because they can choose to have an option of amazing graphics or a smoother frame rate which gives players the option.

Entertainment machines Vs Games consoles
What is it?
Arcades machines for entertainment vs game consoles like playstation xbox nintendo etc basically comparing the two, so entertainment machines would be sources like arcade machines and phones that can play games which isn't a console.
What is an example of it?
An example of this would be Playstation vs an arcade machine such as the old tekken games compared to the new mortal kombat on playstation.
Why would studios and audiences like it?
Studios and audiences would like this because arcade games existed before playstations and xbox's and payers were playing arcade games such as street fighter and tekken hence the re-release of tekken and street fighter on pkaystation and xbox for old time players who liked classic games on the arcades.

Easy access to PC Gaming (e.g. Steam Machines)
What is it?
A steam machine is basically a pre built game computer that runs valve cooperation steamOS
The steam machines are built with top graphics cards processors and fans to make this a ultimate experience.
What is an example of it?
An example of a steam machines specs are i7 i5 and i3, graphics cards from GTX to nvidia gforce 16GB RAM 1TB hard drive storage and a 450w power supply
Why would studios and audiences like it?
Studios and audiences would like steam machines because not only are they a PC with a really nice cosmetic, they're also fitted with decent and top specs and graphics cards which means the buyers can also upgrade if they wanted to yet the pieces it already comes with can also run games and other media.

objectives and plans of organisations

Move from physical to digital distribution
What is it?
physical to digital distribution is handling and moving goods  and copies of games to a online distributor
What is an example of it?
An example of this would be Hardback copies of red dead redemption 2 in CEX and red dead redemption 2 on the playstation store
Why would studios and Audiences like it?
Studios and audiences would like this because not everybody has the ability to go to a store so there is always the option to buy online which offers players more accessibility.

Move to cloud processing/streaming
what is it?
The ability to process games over the cloud and access your saved data also the ability to stream games onto a different media device
what is an example of it?
An example of this would be the nvidia shield to stream games from steam onto the shield, not necessarily requiring a PC just a steam account, it also saves your data to the cloud.
why would studios and audiences like it?
Studios and audiences would like this because not only do you not need to buy a PC you can just stream your games instead from steam to your TV and your data also saves and connects to the cloud.

Mid-cycle refreshes rather than generational
leaps
what is it?
This is where a game renders and refreshes randomly during gameplay instead of refreshing every so often.
what is an example of it?
An example of this is in skyrim the game will randomly refresh and autosave
why would studio and audiences like it?
studios and audiences will like this because the game refreshes and gets rid of bugs and glitches now and then, the game also autosaves which makes it easier for remembering how to save.

Mandatory online connection
what is it?
Mandatory online connection is where there needs to be an established online connection in order to play a game, otherwise without online connection there is no possible way of playing the game without an online connection.
what is an example of it?
An example of mandatory online connection is in destiny 2 which is all online based and requires xbox live or playstation plus in order to connect to the game ad fully play it.
why would studio and audiences like it?
Studios and audiences would like this because online games are high in demand and a lot of the community likes playing them, however not a lot of people have the money to keep a stable online connection this is why mandatory online connected games receive a lot of backlash.

Create an entertainment centre for your living
room
what is it?
Entertainment centres are basically a 'game room' with all gaming appliances such as a playstation a virtual reality headset, a PC and interactive based items.
what is an example of it?
An example of an entertainment centre would be the massive game rooms at E3 with loads of games to try and and all the new tech displayed in certain places.
why would studio and audiences like it?
Studios and audiences would like this because it offers a chance to experience new gaming items and games that you maybe haven't tried before and it's also a good way to attract new fans to a game or console.

Subscription based models
what is it?
Subscription based model is where a customer must pay a recurring price regularly for access to a certain product or service, this includes services like spotify premium , netflix, now TV, playstation plus.
what is an example of it?
An example of a subscription based model would be Playstation plus because players have to continuously pay a certain amount at a fixed time in order to receive contents they desire such as online and monthly games, also storage.
why would studio and audiences like it?
Studio and audiences will like this because having a subscription means you can and gain access to all the benefits that come with a price.

Early access rather than beta-testing
what is it? Early access gives a chance to everybody to play the game that is being early accessed rather than beta test which is only accessibly by a certain amount of players.
what is an example of it?
An example of beta testing and early access would be beta testing for call of duty ww2 and early access for soul calibur on the playstation 4
why would studio and audiences like it?
Audiences like early access more than beta test because early access gives everybody an opportunity to play the game in comparison to beta testing.

“Console Wars” (primarily Sony Vs Microsoft)
What is it?
The console wars primarily sony vs microsoft all started as they both try and better each over with exclusive games, new content, games that are only made for that console and theres been a feud between the players for a very long time.
what is an example of it?
an example of this feud would be their slogans "This is for the players" sony and "Better on xbox" being microsoft. This is obviously slandering the two consoles, imlying there is competition.
Why would studios and audiences like this?
Studos and audiences like this because there is competition between the two meaning both parties will try and outdo eachover simply putting out better content each time with consoles, and games.


PC ‘Platforms’
What is it?
Pc platforms are different types of platforms for the PC there is Linux, AmigaOS, FreeBSD and many more, these platforms have different settings for them and web browsers and such and the theme of "being better" is the same as the competition between consoles.
What is an example of it?
Why would studios and audiences like this?

Valve – Steam
What is it? Steam is a platform that is for PC gamers a bit like playstation network and xbox live. Steam offers games to PC players, and the latest news having a home and acts like the sony network for playstation.
What is an example of it? An example of the steam system is on the nvidia shield as it runs on steam network and acts like a ocial network for the PC
Why would studios and audiences like this?
Studios and audiences like this because steam is a good and easy to use system that allows the players to get free games and browse games from categories and easily access the library

Ubisoft – U Play
What is it?
U play is a trophies/ranking system combined with other companies for the community to unlock achievements for certain games and such
What is an example of it?
An example of Uplay is in watch dogs, the player has the ability to unlock certain stuff such as cosmetics and sprays by completing various challenges.
Why would studios and audiences like this?
Studios and audiences like this because it offer an additional task and element of entertainment to the player not only completing the game but to also do these other tasks as well, contrary though amongst the fans this has been quite a negative response and has received a lot of backlash.
EA – Origin

Blizzard – Battlenet
What is it?
Battlenet is a competitive platform that allows players to access other plays profiles and see their scores and ranking etc, its a platform for people who play the same games and stuff to check out their own progress as well as other players.
What is an example of it?
An example of battlenet is how players use it to match make with other players of the same skill set in the 2.0 update to battlenet.
Why would studios and audiences like this?
Studios and audiences will like this because not only does it bring the community more together, it also allows players to undertake other players with the same skill set spiking competitive modes.


Mobile Platforms (primarily IOS vs Android)
What is it?
Mobile platforms are a type of operating system run on different phones, such as IOS and Android.
Many of the two Android vs IOS have competition as different communities prefer different phones they used it to their advantage and make special content only for certain operating systems.
Mobile platforms
What is an example of it?
An example of Mobile platforms are Android, Blackberry, IOS
Many of the Mobile platforms have games that are only available on certain platforms, like pokemon go was originally only for Iphone.
Why would studios and audiences like this?
Studios and audiences like this because it offers different content for each operating system and both of the two phones android and iphone have different pros and cons, if they had the same of everything one of the two companies wouldn't sell because they would be the same.

Competing Services (e.g. PSN vs Xbox Live)
What is it?
Competing services are between the two PSN and Xbox live as they both have different pro's and cons about them, Xbox obviously being less to pay for, different exclusive games than playstation yet playstation offer more subscription and better games such as god of war.
What is an example of it?
An example of this would be how many videos on youtube constantly compare the two, when playstation have much better exclusive games such as god of war. There are so many feuds between xbox and playstation.
Why would studios and audiences like this?
Auidence would like this because again it creates competition for the two consoles and they obviously want to outdo eachover so they push out more better hard worked content.

Physical Vs Digital Retail/Distribution
What is this?
This is basically the sales of games in store, in the online stores and hard copies ideally there is more people buying game sin stores an they are often cheaper in comparison to buying games off the online store.
What is an example of it?
An example of this is Overwatch in CEX is like £20 yet they still want £40 for it on the playstation store which is why people will go to in world stores and buy games there instead of buying them online. Also if you buy a game in store you can always ell it with online copies you can't.
Why would studios and audiences like this?
Studios and audiences would like this because it offers players and the community to buy games that are in store and in world. Pleasing everybody.

Cross-Platform Play (Sony’s attempts to block
Fortnite, Rocket League, etc.)
What is this?
This is to prevent players from other cross platforms joining sony as sony didn't want other players to join their platforms which is understandable, but sometimes our friends are on a PC and were on playstation and we just want to play with eachover.
What is an example of it?
An example of this is when sony tried to block cross platform on fortnite which was successful for a while and then it got taken off.
Why would studios and audiences like this?
Studios and audiences will like this because it offers players a chance to play with players on the computer or Xbox players and it also expands the gaming community.

Investing in Original IP’s (marketing a new
Intellectual Property)
What is it?
Creating and investing into something original, it's a better idea to invest into original IP's because not only is it your own original idea it will also sell better.
What is an example of it?
An example of an original IP is god of war 2018, it's an original and it won game of the year.
Why would studios and audiences like this?
Studios and audiences would like this because it would mean more original games for the community to play instead of spin offs.

Purchasing “Timed Exclusives”
What is it?
Timed exclusives are a good way to promote a game and often a timed exclusive is a game that is only available for a certain amount of time before it stops selling.
What is an example of it?
An example of this is red dead redemption 2's content for the exclusive PS4 content was only avalibe for a limited amount of time.
Why would studios and audiences like this?
Timed exclusives make it easier for game creators to sell there content and also gives players this good feeling when they buy an exlcusive, also players do love exclusives.

“Attach rate” and developing for perceived
smaller platforms (e.g. developing for Nintendo
Switch)
What is it?
The umber of sales of a smaller company so for example the nintendo switch as it's a smaller platform in the gaming community.
What is an example of it?
An example of this would be the rate of sales for the nintendo switch massively increasing because of smash bros 
Why would studios and audiences like this?
studios and audiences like this because nintendo switch is releasing content for a broad variety of players and ales are increasing because of this.

Sequels, Remasters, Remakes, repackaging and
re-releasing proven successful games.
What is this?
This is rereleasing a succesful game often this is sued when companies want to remaster a game such as dark souls remastered because it was on playstation 3.
What is an example of this?
An example of this would be resident evil the mansion remastered which was an official Playstation 1 game yet released on Playstation 4 which was successful as the original mansion resident evil was probably one of the best if not the best.
Why would studios and audiences like this?
studios and audiences would like this because there are plenty of games the community want remastered however not all games can get remastered or re released as it takes alot of time to do so, such as legacy of kane soulreaver which was a ps1 game.

Indie publishing (one platform at a time)
What is this?
This is an ideal way of publishing a game, they make games for one platform to test the waters see if they like the game and usually indie game creators get used to create major big games
what is an example of this?
An example of this is supermeatboy as the game was created by an indie developer which then turned into this massive console and phone wide game which is across all platform and has now got multiple games ad series.
Why would studios and audiences like this?
Studios and audiences would like this because?
 it gives smaller indie companys a chance to create something and all creators have to start from somwehere.

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