Assassins creed franchise is published by ubisoft and encompasses 12 incarnations of the game. It is an action adventure open world game played from a 3rd person perspective
Each game is set in a historical setting with a new story and time period
In 2021 the franchise recorded sales of 155 million units since its introduction in 2007. This was helped by the launch of assasins creed valhalla in 2020
Video games are a relatively new media form has been an exponential growth of this form since the 1970s, the rapid technological development, construction of the gamer and the difficulty of regulating such a faced past industry
Video games are culturally and financially significant across 3 major territories(Japan, USA, Europe)
In 2021 the value of the global video game market was estimated to be 138.4 billion dollars increasing from 52.8 billion dollars in 2012. Mobile gaming is the fastest growing area
Other strategies in addition to game sales are employed to increase revenue including production and distribution models.
Video game production techniques have evolved and have become increasingly innovative as the industry has become more competitive and the demand for games has increased
Being part of a franchise is a production model that increases economic vialibility and establishes a brand identity for audience
Advances in technology have shaped video games with the inclusion of more complex gameplay, highly developed graphics and cgi
The games in the franchise are part of a multinational development which is typical of game production in larger studios such as ubisoft
The decision to release assasins creed 111 libertation was to tap into the increasing popularity of mobile gaming. Ps vita was designed with many features usually associated with smart phones, touchscreen, WiFi, 3g and Bluetooth capabilitu
The release of this game as part of a well known franchise may be seen as an attempt to bring high game production values to the burgeoning new mobile game area
Assassins creed 111 liberation was originally exclusive to the ps vita but in 2014 was released on a modified HD version across a range of consoles and platforms including ps3, xbo360 and Microsoft windows
Assains creed valhalla was released in 2020 to coincide with the launch of new consoles 8 including play station 5 and xbox series x
Assasins creed odyssey offered a more immersive experience for players than previous games
In 2021 it was announced that the new game to be released in the franchise assains creed infinity inspired by the success of games like fortnite would be a fully live service game. Expand the franchise and enable games to time jump and include multiple historical setting rather than single setting of the existing game. Ensure longevity of the franchise and the ability to add new content
Video game regulation differs around the world but is becoming standardised across many European countries
The games rating authority which is part of the video standards council rates games using the PEGI system. Games carrying 12,16,18 cannot be sold to anyone below that perspective age bar
Assassins creed 111 liberation a handheld game could be linked to the full ps3 console version of the game owning both consoles would unlock additional content
The convergence between social media platforms promotes gamer engagement and identification with the game across the game community. Important to ubisoft as an individualpproducer in a competitive market. Possibly risks are piracy and leaked content
New technology opens up new opportunities and arguably new risks that complicate regulation
Underlying struggle in UK regulation policy interests of citizens regulation from harmful content vs interests of consumers (choice for value money)
The video games industry is designed to make a profit. One way they minimise risk is through gene formatting
The marketing of a new game uses audience recognition of the game and brand as part of franchise
The sequel formula of the franchise model gives audiences clues of what to expect but enough differences through themes and setting to ensure anticipation and buzz around the game
The video game industry is dominated by large multinational conglomerates. Ubisoft is the 5th largest video game company but is now also in competition with tech companies including Facebook goggle, Amazon who have recently become huge players in the games industry backed by huge financial reserves