Horizon Forbidden West: Audience and Industry blog tasks

 

1) What statistics can you find for the number of male / female players for the major consoles?

Research shows that PlayStation 5 players are mostly male at around 68%, with roughly 29% female players. Xbox Series X|S,  approximately 68% of players are male and about 32% are female.

2) What is the difference between “hardcore” and “casual” gamers – and which do you think would play Horizon Forbidden West?

“Hardcore” gamers are usually those who invest a lot of time in gaming, take it seriously, and may play competitively. Horizon Forbidden West mainly appeals to hardcore players, as it requires long play sessions, skill development, and commitment to a complex story and open world.

3) What are the different reasons YouGov researched for why players play games? Which of these would apply to Horizon Forbidden West?

YouGov found that many gamers play to relax, unwind, and escape daily life. Other common reasons include filling spare time or enjoying immersive experiences. These motivations strongly apply to Horizon Forbidden West, as it offers a world that allows players to explore, relax, and become absorbed in the story. "to escape reality for a while"

PlayStation Website Analysis

1) How is the game promoted to an audience?

The game is promoted as a visually impressive, story-driven experience, highlighting cinematic moments, intense action, and a powerful female protagonist.

2) What are the key features for the game listed on the site?

The website highlights features such as a large and detailed open world, strategic combat against machines, improved movement,storytelling, and the use of next-generation PlayStation technology.

3) What information does the website offer players about the game world and characters? Give a few examples.

Players are given details about the varied landscapes they can explore, the different machine enemies they will face, and important characters such as Aloy, Sylens, and Erend, including insights into their roles and backstories.

4) What spin-offs and additional content are available as part of the Horizon franchise?

Spin offs includes the original Horizon Zero Dawn, the Burning Shores downloadable content, the VR title Horizon Call of the Mountain, and LEGO Horizon Adventures.

5) Applying Henry Jenkins’s work on fandom, what aspects of the website encourage fan activity and engagement with online Horizon communities?

The website supports fan engagement through links to other games in the franchise, extra downloadable content, cosplay resources, and materials that encourage sharing and participation within the fan community.

Wired Feature: Open World Design

1) Why did the writer enjoy Horizon Forbidden West?

The writer appreciated how the open world felt inviting and enjoyable rather than overwhelming.

2) How is Horizon Forbidden West structured for players when they first start the game?

At the beginning, the game follows a more guided and linear structure, helping players learn the mechanics before gradually allowing full freedom of exploration.

3) Why does the writer feel HFW created a more successful open world game than The Witcher 3?

The writer believes Horizon Forbidden West succeeds because it achieves a better balance between player freedom and structure making the experience smoother and more engaging.

Industries

Industry Research

1) Research Sony PlayStation Studios.

Sony PlayStation Studios is Sony’s first party division responsible for creating exclusive games for PlayStation consoles.

2) What studios are part of Sony PlayStation Studios?

These studios include Guerrilla Games, Naughty Dog, Insomniac Games, Santa Monica Studio, and Housemarque.

3) What notable games have they produced?

Their studios have created major franchises such as Spider-Man, The Last of Us, God of War, Horizon, and Uncharted.

4) Who owns Guerrilla Games and how does it reflect the modern videogames industry?

Guerrilla Games is owned by Sony, reflecting a modern industry trend where large publishers acquire studios to secure exclusive titles and strengthen their platforms.

5) Choose one “Guerrilla Spotlight” feature and write three things you learn.

The interview highlights how game development relies on collaboration, how teams often work internationally, and how storytelling and technology are central to Guerrilla’s creativity.

USA Today Feature on Guerrilla Games

1) Which three companies merged to become Guerrilla Games?

Guerrilla Games was created through the merger of Orange Games, Digital Infinity, and Formula Game Development.

2) What other games and franchises were created by Guerrilla Games?

They are also known for developing the Killzone franchise.

3) How did Guerrilla maximise the Killzone franchise?

The studio expanded Killzone by releasing multiple sequels, adding multiplayer features, and keeping it as a PlayStation-exclusive series.

4) What did Sony sign with Guerrilla in 2004?

Sony signed a deal that made Guerrilla an exclusive developer for PlayStation.

5) How is Horizon Forbidden West described and what is next for the franchise?

The article describes the game as a major AAA open-world hit, with the franchise continuing to grow through spin-offs and expansion into other new media.

Regulation and PEGI

1) What is HFW’s PEGI rating and what age rating do you feel is appropriate? Why?

Horizon Forbidden West has a PEGI 16 rating, which suits the game due to its combat, violence, and more mature themes.

2) Why is regulating videogames difficult in the digital age?

Regulation is challenging because games are now distributed digitally, played online, and accessed globally, making enforcement harder.

3) Are attitudes towards media content and regulation changing because of the internet?

Yes, online access has made audiences more exposed to mature content and less dependent on traditional age-rating systems and regulation.