The sims freeplay- industries

Regulation – PEGI

Research the following using the PEGI website.

1) What is the VSC and how does it link to UK law?

VSC is a rating board of PEGI age rating system which is used over 30 different countries. it links to Uk AS 16 and 18 rated games are enforced and cannot be sold to other ages under that age.

2) Note down the key statistics on the homepage.

• 13938+ Games Rated
• 15141+ Apps Rated 
• 1702 Number of Member Oultets
• 30 years in operation

3) What is the purpose of PEGI?

Purpose of PEGI is to provide the consumers information about the content of the video games

4) Click on the PEGI Rating tab in the top menu. What are the age ratings and what do they include?

PEGI 3,PEGI 7, PEGI 12, PEGI 16, PEGI 18

5) Scroll down to look at the ‘How games are examined’ infographic. What is the PEGI process for rating a game?

Firstly they assess the content of the game. then they gain video footage of the gameplay. After there is another review incase of any misinterpretation. Next play the game and assess the gameplay and representation. Finally the game receives a PEGI rating

The ‘Freemium’ gaming model

Read this Lifewire feature on freemium gaming and answer the following questions:

1) How does the freemium model work?

a game has limited features and is also free to be downloaded but as you carry on playing the game, there are in app purchases in order to expand the game

2) Why do some gamers believe freemium is ruining games?

they argue that it limits the game

3) What are the positives of the freemium model for gaming?

the ability to download the game for free but also having the features of expanding the game

Now read this Business Insider feature on freemium gaming and multiplayer games. Answer the following questions:

1) Note the key statistics in the first paragraph.

70-80% of the $10 billion is in ios revenue

2) Why does the freemium model incentivise game developers to create better and longer games?

it enables the players to time to enjoy their game.

3) What does the article suggest regarding the possibilities and risks to the freemium model in future?

freemium model may get gamers to be addicted therefore enhancing the ability of children to use their parents credit cards to purchase more and more in-app purchases

Read this New York Times feature on freemium gaming and answer the following questions:

1) Why did Temple Run use the freemium model?

to enhance the game and to draw the audience in. as soon as the audience is drawn in and addicted, consumers tend to purchase more in app purchases

2) The bigger gaming studios like Electronic Arts used to avoid the freemium model. Why are they now embracing it?

they will be a lot more profitable and reach a huge audience level

3) Why does Peter Farago suggest independent game makers benefit more from the freemium model than the major publishers like EA?

''Freemium is a weapon against the establishment, and the establishment has a hard time even wanting to pick up that weapon''

Electronic Arts

Read this Pocket Gamer interview with EA’s Amanda Schofield, Senior Producer on The Sims FreePlay at EA's Melbourne-based Firemonkeys studio. Answer the following questions:

1) How has The Sims FreePlay evolved since launch?

at the start there were limited amounts of avatar that the consumer can design but as it evolved, it adds realism through the use of animals such as puppies and cats

2) Why does Amanda Schofield suggest ‘games aren’t products any more’?

they are not products anymore as they have to ability to communicate with other gamers to create a community

3) What does she say about The Sims gaming community?

that the consumers are involved in developing the game

4) How has EA kept the game fresh and maintained the active player base?

EA adds new developments to keep the consumer surprised and eager an whats new so meaning that the players want to see more of the game

5) How many times has the game been installed and how much game time in years have players spent playing the game? These could be great introductory statistics in an exam essay on this topic.

200 million times it has been installed and played with the equivalent of 78,000 years.

Finally, read this blog on how EA is ruining the franchise (or not) due to its downloadable content. Answer the following questions:

1) What audience pleasures for The Sims are discussed at the beginning of the blog?

Personal relationship, Diversion and personal identities

2) What examples of downloadable content are presented?

DLC, there are also expansion packs and stuff packs

3) How did Electronic Arts enrage The Sims online communities with expansion packs and DLC?

they were like the features in the expansion pack should already be instilled in the original version

4) What innovations have appeared in various versions of The Sims over the years?

have multi-general legacies and see other players but also travel 

5) In your opinion, do expansion packs like these exploit a loyal audience or is it simply EA responding to customer demand?

I believe it is exposed to hackers whereby hackers can ruin the game for others. hacking also leads to trolling which can make other players very upset.