Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Compare The similarities and Differences of Production, Distrbution, Marketing and Consumption of Red Dead Redemption and Our Other Chosen Case Study (Angry Birds)
In this essay I am going to answer the opening title by explaining the differences between Red Dead Redemption and Angry Birds, my two case studies.
To start with, the first part of the game production: Developing and producing the games...
Red Dead Redemption (RDR) was developed and produced by Rockstar San Diego who the original game, Red Dead Revolver from Capcom. In the development stage of (RDR) there was quite alot of media convergence, for example, the convergence of gaming and the internet lead Rockstar to create a multiplayer game that could be linked through online players. Angry Birds, however, is very much the opposite as it is only a one player game and you cannot compete online as there isn't an internet version. But one part of the development stage that the games have in common is the creation of the soundtracks: Rockstar created there own music for RDR using Western instruments and artists. Rovio (the producers of Angry Birds) also made there own soundtrack for the game, steering away from typical songs and pop music.
A third part of developing each game, was to work out what console they would be made for. Both games were very different in this stage: RDR was made for two consoles, the PS3 and XBox 360 which would have required a different script for each game. On the other hand, Angry Birds was created for the most popular hardware devices at the time: iPods, iPads and iPhones -Android devices. Although these would have needeed slightly different scripts, they wouldn't have been entirely different like the PS3 and XBox. Both games worked towards the same dead line for each version in order for a simultaneous release.
The second stage of game production is distribution. The consoles that the games are played on are also relevant in distribution. For example, RDR is played on consoles that can connect to the internet whilst you are playing the game. This enables players to play with and against people around the world and also download online content, introducing players to new characters and scenery. This very different to Angry Birds as, like I mentioned previously, you can't play multiplayer, and you cannot use the internet to play with other peolple. Similarly to RDR, Angry Birds is downloaded from the internet, but you can only download different versions of the game, not specific levels. Another area of distribution is the packaging and delivering of the games. It is very easy to compare the games in this area. RDR is a physical game that is in a hard cased form. This means that RDR copies will be delivered to and sold at retailers such as game. Angry birds on the other hand is only available to download online, from app stores on apple devices.
A third part of releasing a video game is marketing. This area is where my two case studies differ the most. To start with, Rockstar created two types of RDR, one for PS3 and one for XBox. Before RDR there was Red Dead Revolver, meaning RDR is a sequel, like Angry Birds 'Rio' a seasonal version of the game. Both games created different versions for the same time in order to have a simultaneous release (synergy, to create a larger affect). In terms of merchandise, Angry Birds certainly made more of an effort when licensing companies to release
MARKETING:Rstar created two types (synergy for simultaneous release) slightly different to ab as in two types but they did bring out merchandise.- wasnt at same time.
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To start with, the first part of the game production: Developing and producing the games...
Red Dead Redemption (RDR) was developed and produced by Rockstar San Diego who the original game, Red Dead Revolver from Capcom. In the development stage of (RDR) there was quite alot of media convergence, for example, the convergence of gaming and the internet lead Rockstar to create a multiplayer game that could be linked through online players. Angry Birds, however, is very much the opposite as it is only a one player game and you cannot compete online as there isn't an internet version. But one part of the development stage that the games have in common is the creation of the soundtracks: Rockstar created there own music for RDR using Western instruments and artists. Rovio (the producers of Angry Birds) also made there own soundtrack for the game, steering away from typical songs and pop music.
A third part of developing each game, was to work out what console they would be made for. Both games were very different in this stage: RDR was made for two consoles, the PS3 and XBox 360 which would have required a different script for each game. On the other hand, Angry Birds was created for the most popular hardware devices at the time: iPods, iPads and iPhones -Android devices. Although these would have needeed slightly different scripts, they wouldn't have been entirely different like the PS3 and XBox. Both games worked towards the same dead line for each version in order for a simultaneous release.
The second stage of game production is distribution. The consoles that the games are played on are also relevant in distribution. For example, RDR is played on consoles that can connect to the internet whilst you are playing the game. This enables players to play with and against people around the world and also download online content, introducing players to new characters and scenery. This very different to Angry Birds as, like I mentioned previously, you can't play multiplayer, and you cannot use the internet to play with other peolple. Similarly to RDR, Angry Birds is downloaded from the internet, but you can only download different versions of the game, not specific levels. Another area of distribution is the packaging and delivering of the games. It is very easy to compare the games in this area. RDR is a physical game that is in a hard cased form. This means that RDR copies will be delivered to and sold at retailers such as game. Angry birds on the other hand is only available to download online, from app stores on apple devices.
A third part of releasing a video game is marketing. This area is where my two case studies differ the most. To start with, Rockstar created two types of RDR, one for PS3 and one for XBox. Before RDR there was Red Dead Revolver, meaning RDR is a sequel, like Angry Birds 'Rio' a seasonal version of the game. Both games created different versions for the same time in order to have a simultaneous release (synergy, to create a larger affect). In terms of merchandise, Angry Birds certainly made more of an effort when licensing companies to release
MARKETING:Rstar created two types (synergy for simultaneous release) slightly different to ab as in two types but they did bring out merchandise.- wasnt at same time.
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Monday, 12 December 2011
Compare the similarities and differences of production, distribution, marketing and consumption of Red Dead Redemption and Café World - Amy Balchin
Compare the similarities and differences of production, distribution, marketing and consumption of Red Dead Redemption and Café World.
In this essay I will compare the similarities and differences in the production, distribution, marketing, and consumption of my two case studies, Red Dead Redemption and Café World.
Red Dead Redemption is created and produced by Rockstar, which is at the high end publishing division of Take Two interactive, which is a developer, publisher and distributor of video games. Rockstar own the Red Dead brand, after purchasing the name and original game – Red Dead Revolver, from Capcom, and so they don’t have to pay any license fees to any other companies to use their IP. The technology Rockstar used to create the game was their own game engine, RAGE, which is an example of media convergence. This would have saved them a lot of money, rather than paying other companies, but it would of cost Rockstar a lot in to create their own game engine in the first place. It was also good for Rockstar to have their own unique, game engine, as they wanted to create unique, realistic games. Rockstar did use Euphoria which is an animation engine, so they would have had to pay licences to use this software. Café World is created by Zynga, which is an independent social network games developer, which develops browser based games which converge with sites such as Facebook. As Zynga is a small company, bigger companies have invested in it, for example in 2010, Softbank and Google invested $300 million in Zynga, which is an example of media ownership. This would now mean that Google and Softbank have access of Café Worlds IP and can make money from the game.
During the distribution stage of Red Dead Redemption, Rockstar had to pay companies to use their systems to run the game, which is media ownership between Rockstar and the consoles producers. As Rockstar made the game for the PS3 and Xbox 360, it would have cost them roughly $3-$10 per game for Red Dead to run on their consoles. Rockstar waited for the PS3 and 360 to be released, as they are technologically converged games, meaning there are multiple products coming together to form one product with the advantages of all of them together. An advantage of Rockstar waiting for the consoles to be released was that consumers will be attracted by the consoles, as they do many things; online play, DVD, blue ray, can store digital information etc. Rockstar could also earn more money through producing games like Red Dead Redemption for technologically converged devices. On the other hand, Café World’s distribution was very different. Café World became available on Facebook on the 30th September, 2010. A disadvantage of Café World only being available on Facebook is that users had to have a Facebook account; otherwise they cannot play the game. This could be bad for Zynga, as they could be losing consumers. A positive with Zynga producing its games for social networking sites is that it is a lot of viral marketing is happening, with people sharing the game with their friends, and the game being advertised on the site.
During the marketing stage of Red Dead Redemption, Rockstar used their own website to update the consumers about the various features of the game, which would keep the consumers excited and interested in the game. As they used their own website, the costs would have been very low, as they didn’t have to pay other sites to have coverage on their sites. An example of media convergence would be when Rockstar collaborated with a Hollywood movie director, John Hillcoat to create a Red Dead film. Viral marketing was also used with media convergence, old media marketing was spread by new media, blogs etc. Rockstar released a trailer, organized a 5 day exclusive with IGN.com and had a feature in Game informer magazine. These were all then released at the same time, which is an example of simultaneous release using synergy. Rockstar also used synergy when converging with Jose Gonzalez for the music of Red Dead Redemption. Rockstar also used synergy with their marketing with the retailers, HMV, Amazon, GAME etc. This benefited both Rockstar and the retailers, as the consumers who pre-ordered the game got extra bonuses, and so the retailers became popular. Zynga marketed Café World in terms of celebrating the one year anniversary. By giving the players a challenge with a new recipe, it promoted the game as it attracted more and more consumers to play Café World, which then lead to an increase in the game. The marketing for both games was very different, and Rockstar marketed Red Dead a lot more than Zynga did with Café World.
Consumption is the final part of the development of Red Dead Redemption. Thanks to technologically converged devices, Red Dead was available for consumers to play on the PS3 and Xbox 360. Now that the consumer has brought the game, it is up to them how they play it, but there is also a debate to whether the consumer can do as they please with the game, which has brought up issues of game hacking. Consumers of Café World can play the game online on social networking sites, which is an example of media convergence. Social networking sites are very popular nowadays, and as the game is a freemium game, it attracts even more consumers. Café World is limited on how you play, similar to Red Dead Redemption, as you have to have a flash enabled device to play, and so Apple customers cannot enjoy Café World on their devices.
Compare the similarities and differences of production, distribution, marketing and consumption of Read Dead Redemption and Farmville
In this essay I will compare the similarities and differences of production, distribution, marketing and consumption of Red Dead Redemption and my own case study Farmville.
Red Dead Redemption’s production company is Rockstar. Rockstar is a high ended publishing division who are owned Take Two, Rockstar mainly make their own money, whilst its Take Two’s stock price that is effected by the success of Rockstars games. Rockstar own the developers, Rockstar San Diego, so won’t have issues over who owns the Read Dead Redemptions IP and who can make money from it. Rockstar also have their own game engine RAGE, which means they don’t have to pay to license this software off another company, however it would have cost them a lot in the first place to buy their own game engine. In comparison in my research of my own case… Farmville’s production company is Zynga. Zynga is a social network game developer located in San Francisco and develops browser based games that work both individual and applications on social networking. Zynga is a small independent company and during production stage had to converge with social network site, Facebook, to produce a fresh new game, this game being Farmville.
During the distribution period Rockstar do not own the hardware consoles (Xbox and PS3) in which Red Dead Redemption is played on. Rockstar had to pay Sony and Microsoft to use their systems to run their games which is an example on media ownership. In contrast Zynga, creator of Farmville, filed an agreement to its form explaining its relationship with Facebook, including the 2010 five year agreement to exclusively use Facebook credits. All Zynga games that use Facebook integration must remain exclusive to Facebook for the duration of the agreement, and Zynga is not allowed to release new games on an unrevealed list of other social networks. Not only does this explains examples of media ownership but also adds synergy, the interaction of two or more agents to ensure a larger effect than if they acted independently. In the marketing stage of Red Dead Redemption, synergy was completed by releasing information over a number of different media types at the same time. The first look at Red dead was when Rockstar released a trailer, a week’s coverage with website IGN and did a feature in the magazine Game Informer. Showing examples of media convergence and synergy. Rockstar also used synergy with their marketing retailers, HMV, Amazon and US retailer GameStop. In likeness, Zynga joined partnership with electronics retail store best buy. The two teamed up to sell Farmville merchandise on the best buy website, has exclusive Farmville collectables. Zynga also decided to foil wrap the toys and pack them in a barn blind box style. This implies that customer would not know what ‘collectible toy’ lies inside. American websites such as Zazzle, sells Farmville products which is an example of synergy, as they are coming together with Zynga to benefit them both.
In the consumption period, once Red Dead Redemption was on sale then the consumers could play it, use and celebrate the game however they wanted. On the 26th of October 2010, a film on the game was created (machima) which emphasised the play of the game. This affects the way producers and consumers interacted, which shows signs of media convergence. A Rockstar social club was created, so consumers can play against the developer. In contrast, Farmville was consumed through social networks only, first released to Facebook in 2009 then iOS in 2010. Due to the popularity of the game, an app was made on Apple products so they became technologically converged. The game could be played on iPhones, iPads and even iPods. The fact that you can play games on the phone and internet mean smaller companies can make different types of games and not compete with the big consoles games like Red Dead, an example of proliferation. Farmville is also a free game, and a game you can play whenever you want, on the go, at home, on Facebook. Whereas, Red Dead is limited to game play and must be consumed through Xbox and PS3.
In conclusion, both games have similarities and differences, in each stage of development. Each game has both positives and negatives for its consumers, creators etc.
Grace Bradbury.
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Media Ownership, Media Convergence, Technological Convergence, Synergy, Proliferation, First Party Game, Second Party Game, Third Party Game, Vertical Intergration and Horizontal Intergration
Media Convergence: Grand Theft Auto works with licensed tracks for the radio stations in the games combining videogames and music to create new realistic skills and environment. Music industry + videogame industry= media convergence.
Synergy: the interaction of two or more agents to ensure a larger effect than if they acted independently. EA games and coke used each others products to promote one and other. Some cans of coke had unique codes on them which could be used to unlock new features on Fifa (EA). This was very beneficial for both EA and coke.
Proliferation: A rapid increase in the number of a certain type of product. An example of this is apps on the Iphone such a s doodle jump, as there was a rapid increase due to game becoming more popular
Technological Convergence: is when productions come together to make something a lot better, and it come to advantages with both products, e.g. the x box 360 can play DVD’s, go on the internet and play games online.
Synergy: the interaction of two or more agents to ensure a larger effect than if they acted independently. EA games and coke used each others products to promote one and other. Some cans of coke had unique codes on them which could be used to unlock new features on Fifa (EA). This was very beneficial for both EA and coke.
Proliferation: A rapid increase in the number of a certain type of product. An example of this is apps on the Iphone such a s doodle jump, as there was a rapid increase due to game becoming more popular
Technological Convergence: is when productions come together to make something a lot better, and it come to advantages with both products, e.g. the x box 360 can play DVD’s, go on the internet and play games online.
Media Ownership: This is when the developer and the brand all are from the same company. Therefore no one else can market there game, so they end up with more profit, such as rockstar owns GTA and the company all work together doing different parts of the game. They do not borrow anything from anyone.
Vertical Integration: Absorption into a single firm of several films involved in all aspects of a products manufacture from raw materials to distribution. An Example of this is Capcom.
Horizontal Integration: When two companies work together, so the developer and, the publisher and the creator will all be different.
First Party Game: A game created by the console manufactures themselves or by a developer in which the console manufacture has a controlling interest. E.g.Tetris.
Second Party Game: A game created exclusively for a specific console through a contract agreement with the console manufacturer. E.g. Game Freak who develops the Pokemon series.
Third Party Game: A game made by a company that is completely independent from the manufactures of the console that he game is played on.
Homework task.
Media Convergence: Video Game: The Ultimate Red Ball Challenge: The TV industry worked with the Video Game industry (Nintendo) to create this game.
Synergy: Video Game: Sims 3: this game got major music industry artists to re-record their songs and release them in a Sim like style.
Proliferation: Video Game: Paper Toss: This app has become very popular after being created for the iphone app. It had high demand so it was created for other phones, such as Androids, via the internet and ipods.
Technological Convergence: An example is a PS3 and Blu-ray coming together to make a bigger and better product that can be used for various purposes rather than just one.
Media Ownership: Video Game: Grand Theft Auto: Developed and Published by Rockstar.
First Party Game: Naughty Dog Inc produced by the manufactorer of the primary company or company which has been aquired by the manufactorer, Sony. Such as the making of crash bandicoot.
Second Party Game: The company Insomniac Games developed games for Sony Playstation platforms and no other. They have created games including Resistance.
Third Party Game: Ea have developed different games for the Sony PS3. The company creating the game is different to they company that makes the actual console.
Vertical Intergration: Rockstar as they are involved in ALL aspects of the product from maufacture from raw materials to distribution.
Horizontal Intergration: A company that aquires other companies that are involved with the same stage of the production process.
Synergy: Video Game: Sims 3: this game got major music industry artists to re-record their songs and release them in a Sim like style.
Proliferation: Video Game: Paper Toss: This app has become very popular after being created for the iphone app. It had high demand so it was created for other phones, such as Androids, via the internet and ipods.
Technological Convergence: An example is a PS3 and Blu-ray coming together to make a bigger and better product that can be used for various purposes rather than just one.
Media Ownership: Video Game: Grand Theft Auto: Developed and Published by Rockstar.
First Party Game: Naughty Dog Inc produced by the manufactorer of the primary company or company which has been aquired by the manufactorer, Sony. Such as the making of crash bandicoot.
Second Party Game: The company Insomniac Games developed games for Sony Playstation platforms and no other. They have created games including Resistance.
Third Party Game: Ea have developed different games for the Sony PS3. The company creating the game is different to they company that makes the actual console.
Vertical Intergration: Rockstar as they are involved in ALL aspects of the product from maufacture from raw materials to distribution.
Horizontal Intergration: A company that aquires other companies that are involved with the same stage of the production process.
Media Ownership, Media Convergence, Technological Convergence, Synergy, Proliferation, First Party Game, Second Party Game, Third Party Game, Vertical Intergration and Horizontal Intergration.
Media Ownership:
Video Game Example: Grand Theft Auto (GTA):
GTA is owned by the company Rockstar, and in relation to media ownership, GTA's developers are also part of the Rockstar comapny, which therefore means that the parts of GTA that Rockstar own/ have choice over is the production and the developing. Rockstar also created and now own their own game engine called RAGE.
Technological Convergence
Example of Technological Convergence: XBox 360
The original XBox only allowed consumers to play video games. But due technological convergence, the XBox 360 can now play video games AND play HD DVDs.
Synergy
Synergy is when two or more agents, media organisations or products work together to produce a larger effect on th consumer. Within this subject there is an area called cross promotion, where one product or video game is launched and something else is being advertised aswell. An example of this would be when Fifa world cup game was being launched, and Coke was being advertised at the same time. By this I mean that as a popular choice of drink for football fans, coke had fifa game codes printed on them to unlock new levels in the game.
Proliferation
An Example of Proliferation: iPhone and other smart phones:
Media convergence is when a game becomes popular or there is a break through in tehnology, and therefore the product e.g. iPhones are mass produced, and even copies like other android phones are produced.
First Party Game
Example: Naughty dog who made crash bandicoot.
First-party developers are companies that manufacter the game but also exclusively develops it.
Second Party Game
Example: Game Freak who develops the pokemon series:
This is when a company deveops and manufacters a game but may also have exclusive publishing agreements.
Third Party Game:
Third-party developers can be owned by larger third-parties, such as the relationship between Neversoft (creator of the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series) and Activision. Because of this, much larger third-parties that also publish their own games are typically referred to as publishing houses.
Video Game Example: Grand Theft Auto (GTA):
GTA is owned by the company Rockstar, and in relation to media ownership, GTA's developers are also part of the Rockstar comapny, which therefore means that the parts of GTA that Rockstar own/ have choice over is the production and the developing. Rockstar also created and now own their own game engine called RAGE.
Technological Convergence
Example of Technological Convergence: XBox 360
The original XBox only allowed consumers to play video games. But due technological convergence, the XBox 360 can now play video games AND play HD DVDs.
Synergy
Synergy is when two or more agents, media organisations or products work together to produce a larger effect on th consumer. Within this subject there is an area called cross promotion, where one product or video game is launched and something else is being advertised aswell. An example of this would be when Fifa world cup game was being launched, and Coke was being advertised at the same time. By this I mean that as a popular choice of drink for football fans, coke had fifa game codes printed on them to unlock new levels in the game.
Proliferation
An Example of Proliferation: iPhone and other smart phones:
Media convergence is when a game becomes popular or there is a break through in tehnology, and therefore the product e.g. iPhones are mass produced, and even copies like other android phones are produced.
First Party Game
Example: Naughty dog who made crash bandicoot.
First-party developers are companies that manufacter the game but also exclusively develops it.
Second Party Game
Example: Game Freak who develops the pokemon series:
This is when a company deveops and manufacters a game but may also have exclusive publishing agreements.
Third Party Game:
Third-party developers can be owned by larger third-parties, such as the relationship between Neversoft (creator of the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series) and Activision. Because of this, much larger third-parties that also publish their own games are typically referred to as publishing houses.
Research Task
Media Convergence: Grand Theft Auto 4 worked with licensed tracks for the radio stations in the games combining videogames and music to creat new realistic experience and environment.
Synergy: Synergy is used in making Grand theft Auto as the video game industry and the music industry are work together to make a bigger effect than if they had worked by themselves.
Proliferation: Rockstar is an example of proliferation as they have to adapt their GTA experience to suit the format as it became more popular.
Media Ownership: Call of Duty was developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision.
Technological convergence: The playstation3 is an example as it is machine that can be used to watch Blu-Rays as well as able to play games and to surf the internet and organise and display digital content such as music and photos.
First party: A game created by the console manufacturers themselves or by a developer in which the console manufacturer has a controlling interest such as nintendo.
Second party: A game created exckusively for a specific console through a contract agreement with the console manufacturer such as insomniac and game freak.
Third party: A game made by a company that is completely independent from the manufacturers of the console that the game is play on such as EA games who make games of PS3.
Vertical Integration: Absorption into a single firm of several firms involved in all aspects of a product's manufacture from raw materials to distribution.
Rockstar games have become vertically integrated company by buying developers they have previously worked with, such as DMA design who became Rockstar North and Angel Studios who became Rockstar San Diego.
Horizontal Integration: A company that works with another company in the production process of the game.
Synergy: Synergy is used in making Grand theft Auto as the video game industry and the music industry are work together to make a bigger effect than if they had worked by themselves.
Proliferation: Rockstar is an example of proliferation as they have to adapt their GTA experience to suit the format as it became more popular.
Media Ownership: Call of Duty was developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision.
Technological convergence: The playstation3 is an example as it is machine that can be used to watch Blu-Rays as well as able to play games and to surf the internet and organise and display digital content such as music and photos.
First party: A game created by the console manufacturers themselves or by a developer in which the console manufacturer has a controlling interest such as nintendo.
Second party: A game created exckusively for a specific console through a contract agreement with the console manufacturer such as insomniac and game freak.
Third party: A game made by a company that is completely independent from the manufacturers of the console that the game is play on such as EA games who make games of PS3.
Vertical Integration: Absorption into a single firm of several firms involved in all aspects of a product's manufacture from raw materials to distribution.
Rockstar games have become vertically integrated company by buying developers they have previously worked with, such as DMA design who became Rockstar North and Angel Studios who became Rockstar San Diego.
Horizontal Integration: A company that works with another company in the production process of the game.
Monday, 28 November 2011
Research task!
Media convergance: Video game: Bioshock 2: 2K Marin worked with the Hollywood Studio Symphony at Capitol Studios to put the soundtrack together.
Synergy: Video game: Darkside Game Studios and Arkane Studios worked together to make the levels of the game better than the first Bioshock game.
Proliferation: Video game: Farmville: Facebook based game that become increasingly popular by the consumer, so a Zombie farm version of Farmville was released for the I-devices.
Media ownership: Video Game: Mirrors edge: Developed by EA Digital Illusions CE: Published by Electronic Arts who have legal rights for this game.
First party game: Video game: A game that is created by the console manufacturers themselves, for example, Eidos (Lara Croft: tomb raider series)
Second party game: A company called Game Freak maily developed the Pokemon game series by nintendo and this kind of company is very rare in video game industries because, without the direct support of the platform owner, it is financially risky to be solely developing for that particular platform.
Third party game: The third party developers can be ownde by much larger third-parties, such as the differences between Capcom (Dino Crisis, The Legend of Zelda) and HAL Laboratory (Super Smash Bros) Much larger third-parties that also publish their own games are known as publishing houses, even though they develop their own games internally.
Vertical Intergration: A games company who do all the creation and distribution themselves. For example, Capcom
Horizontal Intergration: This is put together with Synergy: It is a company that works with others for example: Croc-Legend of the Gobbos: Argonaut Software (developer) and Electronic Arts (distributer)
Synergy: Video game: Darkside Game Studios and Arkane Studios worked together to make the levels of the game better than the first Bioshock game.
Proliferation: Video game: Farmville: Facebook based game that become increasingly popular by the consumer, so a Zombie farm version of Farmville was released for the I-devices.
Media ownership: Video Game: Mirrors edge: Developed by EA Digital Illusions CE: Published by Electronic Arts who have legal rights for this game.
First party game: Video game: A game that is created by the console manufacturers themselves, for example, Eidos (Lara Croft: tomb raider series)
Second party game: A company called Game Freak maily developed the Pokemon game series by nintendo and this kind of company is very rare in video game industries because, without the direct support of the platform owner, it is financially risky to be solely developing for that particular platform.
Third party game: The third party developers can be ownde by much larger third-parties, such as the differences between Capcom (Dino Crisis, The Legend of Zelda) and HAL Laboratory (Super Smash Bros) Much larger third-parties that also publish their own games are known as publishing houses, even though they develop their own games internally.
Vertical Intergration: A games company who do all the creation and distribution themselves. For example, Capcom
Horizontal Intergration: This is put together with Synergy: It is a company that works with others for example: Croc-Legend of the Gobbos: Argonaut Software (developer) and Electronic Arts (distributer)
Research homework task
Media Convergence: Red Dead Redemption, Rockstar games worked with the music industry to create the authentic cowboy tunes which play throughout the game. music industry + videogame industry= media covergence.
Synergy: EA games and coke used eachothers products to promote one and other. Some cans of coke had unique codes on them which could be used to unlock new features on fifa (EA). This was very benefitial for both coke and EA.
Proliferation: GTA became very popular as it sold millions of copies, so Rockstar decided to make lots of different versions of GTA e.g GTA Vice City and GTA china town. Therefore Rockstar new the game would make them more profit bacuse of its popularity.
Technological Convergence: The Sims was first released as a PC game but soon became very popular so it was then made for other platforms such as playstation, xbox, nintendo ds and apps.
Media Ownership: Rockstar own GTA brand, their developers are part of the same company. Therefore no one else can market the GTA games.
Vertical Intergration: A single company which is involved in all aspects of the game (production, devloping, marketing etc). E.g Rockstar.
Horizontal Inergration: Just like synergy because it is when a company works with another company. E.g the developer and the publisher are different.
First Party Game: Produced by the manufacturer of the primary company or company which has been aquired by the manufacturer. An example of this is Naughty Dog Inc was accuired by Sony in 2001.
Second Party Game: An independent developer making games for just one manufacturer. E.g Pokemon (Game Freak developing games for Nintendo).
Third Party Game: EA develops games for sony PS3- the company that makes the game is different to the company that makes the consol.
Synergy: EA games and coke used eachothers products to promote one and other. Some cans of coke had unique codes on them which could be used to unlock new features on fifa (EA). This was very benefitial for both coke and EA.
Proliferation: GTA became very popular as it sold millions of copies, so Rockstar decided to make lots of different versions of GTA e.g GTA Vice City and GTA china town. Therefore Rockstar new the game would make them more profit bacuse of its popularity.
Technological Convergence: The Sims was first released as a PC game but soon became very popular so it was then made for other platforms such as playstation, xbox, nintendo ds and apps.
Media Ownership: Rockstar own GTA brand, their developers are part of the same company. Therefore no one else can market the GTA games.
Vertical Intergration: A single company which is involved in all aspects of the game (production, devloping, marketing etc). E.g Rockstar.
Horizontal Inergration: Just like synergy because it is when a company works with another company. E.g the developer and the publisher are different.
First Party Game: Produced by the manufacturer of the primary company or company which has been aquired by the manufacturer. An example of this is Naughty Dog Inc was accuired by Sony in 2001.
Second Party Game: An independent developer making games for just one manufacturer. E.g Pokemon (Game Freak developing games for Nintendo).
Third Party Game: EA develops games for sony PS3- the company that makes the game is different to the company that makes the consol.
Research Homework
Media Convergence: Rockstar teamed up with a Movie Company to produce the next trailer for the new Red Dead Redemption game.
VIDEOGAMES+MOVIES=MEDIA CONVERGENCE
Synergy: Rockstar were under pressure to make the same game for 3 different formats: PC, PS3, and Xbox 360, each with their different problems. It was rumoured that the reason for GTA 4’s delay was that Rockstar were struggling to perfect the PS3 version.
Proliferation: FIFA 11 is an example of a game which has had Proliferation, there is over 11 different versions of FIFA 11.
Technological Convergence: The Xbox 360 is an example of a technological convergence device because the original Xbox didn’t allow you to watch DVD’s in HD but now with the Xbox 360 this allows you to watch them in HD.
Media Ownership: Call of Duty, developed by Infinity Ward, the published by Activision.
First Party Game: In the video game industry, a first-party developer is a developer that is part of a company that manufactures a video game console, and develops exclusively for it. First-party developers may either use the name of the company itself (like Nintendo), have a specific division name (like Sony's Polyphony Digital), or have formerly been an independent studio before being acquired by the console manufacturer, such as Rare or Naughty Dog.
Second Party Game: Game Freak, which mainly develops the Nintendo-exclusive Pokémon game series. Studios like Insomniac and Game Freak are very rare in the video game industry because without the direct support of the platform owner, it is very risky financially to be developing solely for a particular platform.
Third Party Game: Third-party developers can be owned by larger third-parties, such as the relationship between Neversoft (creator of the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series) and Activision. Because of this, much larger third-parties that also publish their own games are typically referred to as publishing houses even though they do develop many of their own games internally.
Vertical Integration: A company which does everything to do with the creation and distribution of the video game by themselves for example Rockstar.
Horizontal Integration: A company which works with another company to produce a game. This could also be known as synergy, for example the developer and the distributer are different.
Research Task: Homework
Media Convergence: Video Game
Rockstar worked with Euphoria to make their characters look more realistic. Animation + Videogame= Media convergence
Media Ownership: Video Game
The video game Halo was developed by Bungie and Ensemble studies and then published by Microsoft of studies.
Technological convergence:
Star wars originally a film now a videogame, hardware is diverging whilst media content is converging.
Synergy: Cross Promotion
Electronic arts were promoting their world cup game in 2010 they had a cross promotion with coke. Special cans of coke had printed words on them and that when playing fifa the printed words could unlock new game content. Making it beneficial for Electronic arts and EA sports= SYNERGY
Proliferation: IPhone
Big company and almost everyone is familiar with it so companies learn that consumers want a touch screen phone with lots of cool apps. So now smart phones with similar features are enhanced
First Party Game:
A game created by console manufacturers themselves. I.e. RARE or NAUGHTY DOG
Second Party Game:
A game created for a specific console through a contract agreement with the console manager. I.e. Game Freak
Third Party Game:
A game made by a company that is completely independent from the manufacturers of the console that the game is played on. Example of game maker Trian Woods, he launched his first major game, Rift, and now it is being published by other games companies.
Vertical integration
Is the integrating of successive stages in the production and marketing process under the ownership or control of a single management, Example: Grand theft auto making 14.8 million copies, making Rockstar rich.
Horizontal Integration:
Company that gains other companies that are involved with the same stage of production process.
Research Homework Task
Media convergence: Grand Theft Auto worked with the music industry to make the games seem more realistic. This is media convergence as there is two medias working together.
Synergy: Synergy is also used in the production of Grand Theft Auto, as the video game industry and the music industry are working together to ensure a larger effect than if they acted alone. Rockstar also used synergy in the marketing of GTA, as they timed their first trailer to coincide with the first GTA 4 magazine preview.
Proliferation: Angry Birds is an example of proliferation, as there was a rapid increase due to the game becoming more popular.
Technological convergence: Sims is an example of technological convergence. It was developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. It was originally for the PlayStation and the Nintendo 64, but fter the increase of popularity of the game, it was then released to the PlayStation 2 and Xbox and Nintendo GameCube, and also mobile phones and Apple products.
Media Ownership: Rockstar own the GTA brand - their developers are part of the same company, and so no one else can market the GTA games.
Vertically intergrated: Rockstar is an example of this afer GTA selling 14.8 million copies, making them able to expand.
Horizontal intergrated: Rockstar also worked with Euphoria to add music and realism to the game.
Homework Research Task- GTA.
Media Convergence-
Grand Theft Auto worked with the music industry in using artists tracks on the radio stations, they paid $5000 for each track. Music+Video Game= Media Convergence.
Synergy- The makers of GTA, (rockstar) worked with Euphoria, to add more realism into the game.
Proliferation- Paper Toss, Iphone app game, Ipod Game. Increases more popualtion the more its consumed.
Technological Convergence- The Developer and Publisher are Rockstar Games
Horizontal Intergation- The same as synergy GTA worked with Euphoria to help with realism in the game
Vertical Intergation- Rockstar the creator of GTA, was involved in the making of all of its game.
Grand Theft Auto worked with the music industry in using artists tracks on the radio stations, they paid $5000 for each track. Music+Video Game= Media Convergence.
Synergy- The makers of GTA, (rockstar) worked with Euphoria, to add more realism into the game.
Proliferation- Paper Toss, Iphone app game, Ipod Game. Increases more popualtion the more its consumed.
Technological Convergence- The Developer and Publisher are Rockstar Games
Horizontal Intergation- The same as synergy GTA worked with Euphoria to help with realism in the game
Vertical Intergation- Rockstar the creator of GTA, was involved in the making of all of its game.
Research Homework Task.
Media Convergence: When old and new media intersect in a way that the media producers and Video Game: In The Sims 3, the music industry was used during the making. Famous artists such as Pixie Lott, Katy Perry, Flo Rida and 3Oh!3 had to re-record some of there most famous songs in Simlish (Sim language). In the game this is played on the radio and when they sing, this not only attracts Sims fans but fans of the artists.
Music Industry+ Video Game = Media Convergence
In Fifa 12, they worked with TV Personalities/Commentators to give the game a more realistic effect as if you were watching the game. They worked with Sky Sports commentator Andy Gray and Alan Smith, plus the rest of the Sky Sports Team. This obviously played throughout the game.
Tv Industry + Video Games = Media Convergence
Synergy: The interaction of two or more agents to ensure a larger effect than if they act alone.
Video Game: Like mentioned above in the production for The Sims 3 they got major artists to re-record there songs and release them in Simlish. This comes under Synergy as it gives the game a greater effect.
Also Synergy, to promote Pixie Lotts Simlish song and the release of Sims 3, they released a small film on youtube. In this short clip it shows Pixie recording the song and promoting the game.
Proliferation: The Rapid increase in the number of a certain type of product.
In Fifa a new version is released every year. This is due to the popularity of consumption from the very first Fifa game which came out in 1994.
Technological Convergence: Convergence of media the occurs when multiple products come together to form one product with the advantages of all of them.
In 2008 for the Olympics, SEGA Sports released Mario and Sonic at the Olympic games for the Nintendo Wii after huge populatrity of the game SEGA connected with Nintendo again to release the game for Nintendo DS, this game was then later released for moblie phones. Not only is Technological Convergence it is also a product of Cross-Promotion in Synergy.
First Party Game: A game created by the console manufactures themselves or by a developer in which the console manufacturer controls the intrest.
Rare Ltd is a subsidiary of Microsoft Studios. They have created games such as Donkey Kong Adventure series and nowfocus solely on the Xbox Kinect device for microsoft.
Second Party Game: A game created exclusively for a specific onsole throught a contract agreement.
An example of this is the company Insomniac Games who develop games for Sony Platstaion platforms only. They have created games such as Spyro the Dragon and Resistance.
Third Party Game: A game created by a company that is completly independent form the manufacturers of the console game.
An example of this is Ubisoft, they make games such as I Am Alive, created for playstation 3 and xbox 360, and Far Cry 3, also made for PS3 and Xbox 360 plus PC.
Vertical Intergration: When a major company buys into another development company to help with development and marketing. An example of this is Rockstar.
Music Industry+ Video Game = Media Convergence
In Fifa 12, they worked with TV Personalities/Commentators to give the game a more realistic effect as if you were watching the game. They worked with Sky Sports commentator Andy Gray and Alan Smith, plus the rest of the Sky Sports Team. This obviously played throughout the game.
Tv Industry + Video Games = Media Convergence
Synergy: The interaction of two or more agents to ensure a larger effect than if they act alone.
Video Game: Like mentioned above in the production for The Sims 3 they got major artists to re-record there songs and release them in Simlish. This comes under Synergy as it gives the game a greater effect.
Also Synergy, to promote Pixie Lotts Simlish song and the release of Sims 3, they released a small film on youtube. In this short clip it shows Pixie recording the song and promoting the game.
Proliferation: The Rapid increase in the number of a certain type of product.
In Fifa a new version is released every year. This is due to the popularity of consumption from the very first Fifa game which came out in 1994.
Technological Convergence: Convergence of media the occurs when multiple products come together to form one product with the advantages of all of them.
In 2008 for the Olympics, SEGA Sports released Mario and Sonic at the Olympic games for the Nintendo Wii after huge populatrity of the game SEGA connected with Nintendo again to release the game for Nintendo DS, this game was then later released for moblie phones. Not only is Technological Convergence it is also a product of Cross-Promotion in Synergy.
First Party Game: A game created by the console manufactures themselves or by a developer in which the console manufacturer controls the intrest.
Rare Ltd is a subsidiary of Microsoft Studios. They have created games such as Donkey Kong Adventure series and nowfocus solely on the Xbox Kinect device for microsoft.
Second Party Game: A game created exclusively for a specific onsole throught a contract agreement.
An example of this is the company Insomniac Games who develop games for Sony Platstaion platforms only. They have created games such as Spyro the Dragon and Resistance.
Third Party Game: A game created by a company that is completly independent form the manufacturers of the console game.
An example of this is Ubisoft, they make games such as I Am Alive, created for playstation 3 and xbox 360, and Far Cry 3, also made for PS3 and Xbox 360 plus PC.
Vertical Intergration: When a major company buys into another development company to help with development and marketing. An example of this is Rockstar.
Sunday, 27 November 2011
Technological convergance, Media convergance, Synergy, Proliferation and Media ownership!
Technological Convergance:
Technological convergence is the modern presence of different types of technology to perform very similar tasks. This applies to 3 main consoles, the PS3, Xbox 360 and the Wii. The PS3 has an inbuilt blu-ray player, it can store digital information such as music and photos, and has a PS store. The Xbox has a DVD player, an Xbox live store, you can connect to facebook and download films, demos and other downloadable content. The Wii is a virtual console with an I-player, you can play online and it has a separate in-built console which is the game cube, allowing you to play on the old technology games. These consoles are cosidered as "home entertainment centers" and they are used to bring families together as they produce more and more family style games, for example: Wii Sports, Kinect, Playstation Move.
Media Convergance:
Is the idea that because of the progress of technology, various different types of media (e.g. Computer, Television, Radio and Newspaper) are combining into a single media. For example, television and computer technology are increasingly becoming the same thing. Websites have video on them and the Internet is an important part of the offer of most broadcasters. Computers and network technology has allowed television to offer "video on demand" services moving away from traditional scheduled television.
Synergy:
Synergy is the promotion and sale of a product throughout the various companies of a media business, for example films, soundtracks or video games. Walt Disney founded synergistic marketing techniques in the 1930s by granting dozens of firms for the right to use his Mickey Mouse character in products and ads, and continued to market Disney media through licensing arrangements. These products can help advertise the film itself and therefore help to increase the film's sales. For example, the Spider-Man films had toys of webshooters and figures of the characters made, as well as posters and games.
Proliferation:
Proliferation is the increase in the amount of sales of that particular product. For example, a game on facebook might become increasingly popular so they change the cript of that game and turn it in to a game that is available to I-devices. Or a PS3 game may become incredibly popular, so the produder of that game might changed the script and make it playable on the Wii or Xbox 360.
Technological convergence is the modern presence of different types of technology to perform very similar tasks. This applies to 3 main consoles, the PS3, Xbox 360 and the Wii. The PS3 has an inbuilt blu-ray player, it can store digital information such as music and photos, and has a PS store. The Xbox has a DVD player, an Xbox live store, you can connect to facebook and download films, demos and other downloadable content. The Wii is a virtual console with an I-player, you can play online and it has a separate in-built console which is the game cube, allowing you to play on the old technology games. These consoles are cosidered as "home entertainment centers" and they are used to bring families together as they produce more and more family style games, for example: Wii Sports, Kinect, Playstation Move.
Media Convergance:
Is the idea that because of the progress of technology, various different types of media (e.g. Computer, Television, Radio and Newspaper) are combining into a single media. For example, television and computer technology are increasingly becoming the same thing. Websites have video on them and the Internet is an important part of the offer of most broadcasters. Computers and network technology has allowed television to offer "video on demand" services moving away from traditional scheduled television.
Synergy:
Synergy is the promotion and sale of a product throughout the various companies of a media business, for example films, soundtracks or video games. Walt Disney founded synergistic marketing techniques in the 1930s by granting dozens of firms for the right to use his Mickey Mouse character in products and ads, and continued to market Disney media through licensing arrangements. These products can help advertise the film itself and therefore help to increase the film's sales. For example, the Spider-Man films had toys of webshooters and figures of the characters made, as well as posters and games.
Proliferation:
Proliferation is the increase in the amount of sales of that particular product. For example, a game on facebook might become increasingly popular so they change the cript of that game and turn it in to a game that is available to I-devices. Or a PS3 game may become incredibly popular, so the produder of that game might changed the script and make it playable on the Wii or Xbox 360.
Friday, 25 November 2011
Media Convergence, Technological convergence, Proliferation and Synergy
Media Convergence, Technical Convergence, Proliferation and Synergy
Technological Convergence:
Technological convergence is the blend of two technologies that, together, bring a number of different media. The reason for technological convergnece is to make consoles more popular and to have more than one function to help with ease in consumers homes. For example, someone might want a blu-ray player but might get a PS3 which plays blu-ray discs but also can play games on them. It encourages family interaction as the console can be in a living room, with all of it’s it’s functions, and might persuade people to buy games and DVDs. A good thing about technological convergence is that all these consoles are online which let people play online, share ideas online and download new games and game content.
Media Convergence:
This is the combination of types of media e.g. online media, television, radio and video games industry. For example, television and online media are almost becoming the same thing! Websites are now advertising games through videos (like television which obviously uses moving pictures). This enhances the advertisement of the product and the marketing of it. Another example of media convergence is the combination of games and social media. This produces games like farmville and cityville which people play on facebook. These can only exist because of media convergence as they are distributed, marketed and consumed on facebook (social media).
Synergy:
Synergy is two or more companies/agents/products working together on a video game to create a larger effect than if they were to work independantly. An example is a video game working with its marketers to release the game, and adverts on the same day. This would ensure that as soon as the game is adverised, consumers can get hold of the product.
The following example is of synergy in the marketing process: Related products, an example is spiderman. Spiderman is a popular superhero, so duvets and other merchandise are now available with his character on.
Proliferation:
This is making a game ‘playable’ on more than one type of console. It increase the amount of sales of the product. For example, a wii game might become very popular, and there for, the producer might change the script slightly and make the game to also be played on an xBox. The same is with online games; they might become popular and turned into an app for an iPod/ iPad.
Media Convergence, Technological Convergence, Synergy and Proliferation.
Media Convergence: When old technology and new technology merges together to create a product that has a bigger impact. Rockstar use licensed music (Kanye West and Ice Cube) in GTA 4 for the radio stations, this enables the game to become more realistic and atmospheric in a movie like way. Rockstar also had TV channels in their games to add a realistic effect and attract attention from gamers. Rockstar used media convergence for marketing. They coordinated their online trailers with the release of magazine articles and TV ads. Viral marketing use convergence so you have information on old marketing being spread by new media: fan blogs, websites and social networking sites. Combining video games with the online world has a significant effect; games can be multiplayer which allows online communities to develop, new maps to be available, games get more value from playing the game. Also gamers can create content and share it with other gamers. Cross media convergence, such a s farmville, are when games and social networking sites come together. They are distributed via facebook, marketed via facebook and consumed all via facebook. This media convergence is proof that it can change the industry.
Technological Convergence: Is where technologies join together to create new technologies that collectively bring a number of different types of media. For example, an iphone as a mobile and internet have come together. Three main types of technological convergence are the xbox 360, Wii and the PS3, these consoles have various, different components that make them different from others, however, they all usually have internet access and access of downloads and personal storage for photos and music. Home Entertainment Centres are their main recognition that will in turn produce a wide variety of markets available as they are multi-functional boxes and offer people more than just a 'normal' games console. This all helps sell smaller consoles like PSP’s or DS’s as there will be a gap in the market for them to be seen. It opens up the market for consumers who want to buy one product that produces the effects of blu-ray ad a PS3.
Synergy: This is the interaction of two or more organisations or products that come together to make a larger effect than if they acted independently. There are 3 different types of synergy, Cross-Promotion, Simultaneous Release and Related Products. Cross-Promotion is when 2 or more brands/products/ or games come together in a promotion on one thing. Simultaneous release is when companies have similar products with a similar release date of a major event like a movie and lastly Related products is when companies come out with a range of products that all relate to each other, this is usually the case when a major film comes out. These types of synergy help sell products because they all have a large effect on the audience.
Proliferation: A rapid increase in the number of a certain type of product. In many types of media and also in business you get proliferation. Lots of the same product, this is usually because of a certain product becoming popular. Or it could be because of a breakthrough in technology which allows a lot of companies to enter market. An example in the iphone as its a big hit, so companies learn that consumers want a touch sceen phone that has lots of apps. So suddenly there's a lot of smart phones with very similar looks and attributes.
Technological Convergence: Is where technologies join together to create new technologies that collectively bring a number of different types of media. For example, an iphone as a mobile and internet have come together. Three main types of technological convergence are the xbox 360, Wii and the PS3, these consoles have various, different components that make them different from others, however, they all usually have internet access and access of downloads and personal storage for photos and music. Home Entertainment Centres are their main recognition that will in turn produce a wide variety of markets available as they are multi-functional boxes and offer people more than just a 'normal' games console. This all helps sell smaller consoles like PSP’s or DS’s as there will be a gap in the market for them to be seen. It opens up the market for consumers who want to buy one product that produces the effects of blu-ray ad a PS3.
Synergy: This is the interaction of two or more organisations or products that come together to make a larger effect than if they acted independently. There are 3 different types of synergy, Cross-Promotion, Simultaneous Release and Related Products. Cross-Promotion is when 2 or more brands/products/ or games come together in a promotion on one thing. Simultaneous release is when companies have similar products with a similar release date of a major event like a movie and lastly Related products is when companies come out with a range of products that all relate to each other, this is usually the case when a major film comes out. These types of synergy help sell products because they all have a large effect on the audience.
Proliferation: A rapid increase in the number of a certain type of product. In many types of media and also in business you get proliferation. Lots of the same product, this is usually because of a certain product becoming popular. Or it could be because of a breakthrough in technology which allows a lot of companies to enter market. An example in the iphone as its a big hit, so companies learn that consumers want a touch sceen phone that has lots of apps. So suddenly there's a lot of smart phones with very similar looks and attributes.
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
500 Words on Technological Convergence, Media Convergence, Proliferation and Synergy
Technological convergence in terms of video games is when different technologies merge into new technologies to bring us a number of different Medias. The 3 main consoles involved in technological convergence are the Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii. All of these consoles have many different components that make them unique but they all usually have internet access as well as some sort of download and personal storage for photos, music etc. Each of these consoles have been branded as “Home Entertainment Centre’s” this opens up a wide variety of markets as they are multi-functional boxes and all offer something more than just a games console, they also are mainly placed in the lounge which allows family bonding and game nights which is very attractive to most people. Also with smaller consoles like PSP’s and DS’s there is now a gap in the market as there are only certain things you can do with those consoles, this allows other companies like Phones companies to create small fun apps that everyone will be attracted to.
Media Convergence is when “old” media and “new” media merges together to create something that has a bigger impact. An example of this is Grand Theft Auto 4, the game industry combined with the music industry to put music like Kanye West in the game on radio stations, this also goes for the TV industry with putting real-life shows on the TV in the game. This not only makes the game seem realer but attracts audiences who enjoy the music and TV played on the game to GTA. Another example of this is the Video Game industry combining with Social Networking sits like Facebook. These kind of games, like Farmville and Cityville, only exist because of media convergence as they are distributed, marketing and consumed via Facebook. These are all examples to prove that media can change the games industry.
Synergy is the combining of 2 or more agents (Brands, Products etc.) to create a larger effect than if they were to act alone. Synergy is a strategy to maximise the exposure of the product/brand etc. There are 3 different types of synergy, Cross-Promotion, Related products and simultaneous release. Cross-Promotion is when 2 or more brands/products/ or games come together in a promotion on one thing. This allows exposure for all of the brands etc. as well as a large impact on the product. Related products is when companies come out with a range of products that all relate to each other, this is usually the case when a major film comes out. These products help each other sell because of the large amount of the same type of products. And Finally Simultaneous release is when companies have similar products with a similar release date of a major event like a movie. All these types of synergy help sell products because they all have a large effect on the audience.
Proliferation is the rapid increase of a certain type of product. This is usually because when something becomes popular it increases greatly to have an even bigger impact of people. It also goes for new technology, as when new technology comes out most companies want to have that new thing. For example the Iphone was a huge hit, which made other phone companies realise that touch screen phone with tons of apps were popular, hence the large amount of smart phones in the market now. As there are so many types of products with the same qualities which means more money has to be spent on marketing and advertising. This also causes the company pressure to stand out and not have lots of sequels of the same type of product, the same goes for the video games industry. Although this can be pressure for the companies, it can leave a lot of choice for the consumers and also keeps the price low as there is lots of the same product. But there are also some downfalls for the consumers as there is much confusion on what to buy because there is so much choice even though choice is a good thing.
Media Convergence is when “old” media and “new” media merges together to create something that has a bigger impact. An example of this is Grand Theft Auto 4, the game industry combined with the music industry to put music like Kanye West in the game on radio stations, this also goes for the TV industry with putting real-life shows on the TV in the game. This not only makes the game seem realer but attracts audiences who enjoy the music and TV played on the game to GTA. Another example of this is the Video Game industry combining with Social Networking sits like Facebook. These kind of games, like Farmville and Cityville, only exist because of media convergence as they are distributed, marketing and consumed via Facebook. These are all examples to prove that media can change the games industry.
Synergy is the combining of 2 or more agents (Brands, Products etc.) to create a larger effect than if they were to act alone. Synergy is a strategy to maximise the exposure of the product/brand etc. There are 3 different types of synergy, Cross-Promotion, Related products and simultaneous release. Cross-Promotion is when 2 or more brands/products/ or games come together in a promotion on one thing. This allows exposure for all of the brands etc. as well as a large impact on the product. Related products is when companies come out with a range of products that all relate to each other, this is usually the case when a major film comes out. These products help each other sell because of the large amount of the same type of products. And Finally Simultaneous release is when companies have similar products with a similar release date of a major event like a movie. All these types of synergy help sell products because they all have a large effect on the audience.
Proliferation is the rapid increase of a certain type of product. This is usually because when something becomes popular it increases greatly to have an even bigger impact of people. It also goes for new technology, as when new technology comes out most companies want to have that new thing. For example the Iphone was a huge hit, which made other phone companies realise that touch screen phone with tons of apps were popular, hence the large amount of smart phones in the market now. As there are so many types of products with the same qualities which means more money has to be spent on marketing and advertising. This also causes the company pressure to stand out and not have lots of sequels of the same type of product, the same goes for the video games industry. Although this can be pressure for the companies, it can leave a lot of choice for the consumers and also keeps the price low as there is lots of the same product. But there are also some downfalls for the consumers as there is much confusion on what to buy because there is so much choice even though choice is a good thing.
Technological, Media Convergence, Synergy and Proliferation
Technological Convergence:
The trend of technologies coming together into new technologies that bring together a number of different types of media. The three main consoles that this has the most significance on is PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii. As for example, the PS3 can store digital information like photos, music, videos but also has a Blu-Ray player built in which allows high definition films to be played. The Xbox360 has a live store where games, videos and music can be downloaded, it also web browser and Facebook can be connected.All these machines are now ‘home entertainment centres’ and can play all types of media, this helps bring all the family together. This opens up the market because consumers who want Blu-ray player might buy the PS3 as it’s the full package, and also these games are mainly positioned in the lounge making the consoles a family possession and encourage family to invest in family games. Technological convergence opens up a huge new market for games companies as there are limited amount of people who just use their phone for example and don’t mind paying 99p for a fun App. It also allows developers to make money from making the games without the publisher needing to help with funding.
Media Convergence:
When old media and new media combine together to make media producers and media consumers interact and change. An example of this is Rockstar, they use licensed music (such as Kanye West and Ice Cube) which allows games to be more realistic and creating the atmosphere almost like to be a movie scene. Rockstar used media convergence for marketing, they coordinated their online trailers with the release of magazine articles and TV adverts. Another example for this would be viral marketing, this type of marketing uses convergence so you had information on old media (posters) being spread by new media (blogs and social networking). A good example of the power of cross media convergence is games like Farmville; they can only exist due to media convergence… Distributed by Facebook, Marketed by facebook and consumed on facebook, this proves that media convergence can change the industry.
Synergy:
The interaction of two or more agents (media businesses or products) to certify a larger effect if acted independently. New technologies support this process like the internet, DVD, downloading etc. It is a primarily marketing strategy created to maximise the amount of coverage and impact of any publicity the brand/product/ game will get at a specific time, can also be linked to distribution and production. For Example, the Spider-Man films had toys of webshooter and figures of the characters made, as well as posters and games.
Proliferation:
Proliferation:
The rapid increase in the number of a certain type of product. You get proliferation in media and businesses. An example of proliferation is the iPhone, this is a big company and almost everyone is familiar with it so companies learn that consumers want a touch screen phone that has lots of apps. So then there become lots of smart phones with very similar looks and attributes this is an example of proliferation. The positives for the developers is that they can create content for numerous different machines and not controlled by the console manufacturers, however a negative would be that the pressure to sell means it could result in less risk and innovation. A positive for consumers is that there is a wide range of choice, and because of the big competition out there the prices are lowered. Although a negative would be the confusion, the choice is so big it’s hard to decide what to choose.
Proliferation
TASK:
Farmville
The benefits for the developers is that they can create content for numerous different machines and not controlled by the console manufacturers. Also the fact that people can now play games on phones and internet means that smaller companies can make different types of games and not compete with the bigger console games. However, a negative for the developers have to spend more money on marketing and advertising as there is a wide range of content out there, Also pressure to sell means that it could result in less risk and innovation.
The benefits for the consumers are that they have so much to choose from, competition from all the big companies out there keep the price down which is also an advantage. You can play games whenever you want; new technology allows games to be played wherever and whenever. But the negatives for consumers are that there can be a confusion of what to buy? The choice is so big and there is such a wide range of different consoles and games. This could also lead to people buying several machines to get the specific game they want, which can then create a less variety of choice.
The benefits for the consumers are that they have so much to choose from, competition from all the big companies out there keep the price down which is also an advantage. You can play games whenever you want; new technology allows games to be played wherever and whenever. But the negatives for consumers are that there can be a confusion of what to buy? The choice is so big and there is such a wide range of different consoles and games. This could also lead to people buying several machines to get the specific game they want, which can then create a less variety of choice.
Media Convergence... Technological Convergence... Proliferation and Synergy
Technological convergence is the trend of technologies to join into new technologies that bring together a number of different types of media. The three main consoles being PS3, Xbox360 and Wii are an example of the significance of technological convergence. As for example, the PS3 can store not only digital information like photos, music, videos but also Blu-Ray player allowing high definition films to be played. The Xbox has a live store where games, videos and music can be downloaded, also web browser and face book is connected. These are examples of the convergence how everything is linked together. What’s more, all these machines are now ‘home entertainment centres’ and can play all types of media. This opens up the market, consumers who want Blu-ray player might buy the PS3 as it’s the full package, and also these games are mainly positioned in the lounge making the consoles a family possession and encourage family to invest in family games. Technological convergence opens up a huge new market for games companies as there are limited amount of people who just use there phone for example and don’t mind paying a 99p for a fun App. It also allows self sufficient developers to make money from making the games without the publisher funding.
Media convergence is when old media and new media combined to make media producers media consumers interact and change. An example of this is Rockstar, they use licensed music (such as Kanye West) enabling games to be more realistic and creating the atmosphere almost like to be a movie. Rockstar used media convergence for marketing, they coordinated their online trailers with the release of magazine articles and TV adverts. Another example for this would be viral marketing, this type of marketing uses convergence so you had information on old media (posters) being spread by new media (blogs and social networking). A good example of the power of cross media convergence is games like Farmville; they can only exist due to media convergence… Distributed by Facebook, Marketed by facebook and consumed on facebook, this proves that media convergence can change the industry.
Synergy is the interaction of two or more agents (media businesses or products) to certify a larger effect if acted independently. New technologies support this process like the internet, DVD, downloading etc. It is a primarily marketing strategy created to maximise the amount of coverage and impact of any publicity the brand/product/ game will get at a specific time, can also be linked to distribution and production. An example of synergy would be 'cross promotion' when electronic arts were promoting their world cup game in 2010 they had a cross promotion with coke. special cans of coke had printed words on them and that when playing FIFA the printed words given could unlock new game content. This is synergy because as coke gets talked about as the football fans drink it they spread the word about the world cup game... So it benefits coke and the E.A.
Proliferation is the rapid increase in the number of a certain type of product. You get proliferation in media and businesses. An example of proliferation is the iPhone, this is a big company and almost everyone is familiar with it so companies learn that consumers want a touch screen phone that has lots of apps. So then there become lots of smart phones with very similar looks and attributes this is an example of proliferation. The positives for the developers is that they can create content for numerous different machines and not controlled by the console manufacturers, however a negative would be that the pressure to sell means it could result in less risk and innovation. A positive for consumers is that there is a wide range of choice, and because of the big competition out there the prices are lowered. Although a negative would be the confusion, the choice is so big it’s hard to decide what to choose.
Proliferation
Proliferation
Games which are distributed to only social networking sites have also been a subject to proliferation.
Games which are distributed to only social networking sites have also been a subject to proliferation.
Farmville is an example of a game that is played on only social networking sites, as it can only be consumed on the internet and no other way and is played on face book which is a social network site. Face book then created a game similar to Farmville called city Ville and SimCity which allows consumers to experience a similar game but in different contexts and is made by zynga which has now also developed the games to be able to download on iphone.
The benefits for the consumers of games that use proliferation are that games developers/publishers can create content for numerous different machines and so not controlled by the console manufacturers, Lots of different consoles give chance for innovation (DS, Wii, etc)–make different type of games. The fact that you can play games on the phone and internet mean smaller companies can make different types of games and not compete with the console big boys.
The negatives are that they have to spend more on marketing and advertising–as there’s so much other content out there. Pressure to sell means that it could result in less risk and less innovation (give the public what has sold before–just get loads of sequels).
Also that have to create different types of games for the different machines (GTA4, GTA China town Wars–also there’s over 9 different versions of FIFA 11, all have to be created).
The benefits for the consumers of games that use proliferation are that games developers/publishers can create content for numerous different machines and so not controlled by the console manufacturers, Lots of different consoles give chance for innovation (DS, Wii, etc)–make different type of games. The fact that you can play games on the phone and internet mean smaller companies can make different types of games and not compete with the console big boys.
The negatives are that they have to spend more on marketing and advertising–as there’s so much other content out there. Pressure to sell means that it could result in less risk and less innovation (give the public what has sold before–just get loads of sequels).
Also that have to create different types of games for the different machines (GTA4, GTA China town Wars–also there’s over 9 different versions of FIFA 11, all have to be created).
media convergence, tech convergence, synergy and proliferation
Synergy is the interaction of two or more agents to ensure a larger effect than if then if they acted on their own. Synergy is primarily a marketing strategy designed to maximise the amount of coverage and impact of any exposure to the brand/product/game etc will get at specific time, but it can also be seen in terms of distribution and production. A good example of this is Rockstar, where they made it in to a magazine to advertise the game. It later came out in the video game, showing that they worked together to make the game bigger and more popular, as in the magazine it would advertise the game and make costumers want to purchase it.
Proliferation is a fast increase of a certain type of product. They normally use this in media and businesses to get lots of the same product. They do this when a certain product becomes extremely popular, and sometimes it is used when there is a breakthrough in technology which allows lots of companies to enter the market. An example of Proliferation is the iPhone, which became very popular to everyone, this encouraged the other companies to then try and design and create similar phones and to make similar apps which you can download on to the phone, such as the Shanshui. One further example of this are the many qwerty keyboard smart phones with specific chats such as ‘ping chat’ which mirrors blackberry and blackberry messenger.
Media Convergence is when an old and new style of media cross in a way that results in media producers and media consumers interacting and thus changing. An example of media convergence is Rockstar, it joined with TV industry and used TV channels in games with comedy sets from celebrities. It also used licensed music, which enables the games to create realism and be movie like for the audience to get a better experience of the game. The use of consumption of GTA 4 is an example of media convergence as consumers have used both old and new media to consume the game. GTA fans have used the internet to create fan sites and communities to share tips etc about the game
Technology convergence is the trend of technologies merging into new technologies, bringing together a number of different media. Technological convergence in the last few years has resulted in devices that not only interact with the media but that are primarily designed to handle, but also with a number of other formats. For example, the Xbox video game console has a primary function to playing console games, but is also able to play back video and music and to connect to the internet. Technological convergence also leads to devices that are designed specifically to replace a number of different devices. The iPod, for example, while originally devised as a portable music player, is now fully functional as a portable video player, photo album, and radio tuner. This is a very useful aspect of technological convergence in our day to day lives.
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