Presentation research (my section)

   

We were told to form a small group for a presentation that we would have to deliver in front of a few tutors. We had to choose our own topic to talk about, we decided as a group to speak about the change from indie games to 'AAA' and the future of gaming and history with some extras, this is themed on the horror genre of games. This is just the research and areas that I covered with my notes below.

What is Steam Greenlight?

Steam Greenlight is a system that engages the community's help in selecting some new games that are being released on steam. The developers can post screenshots, videos and information of their game that they have created which can receive a critical mass of support from the community to gain foundation in order for the creator to gain publication of their game. Steam greenlight also helps developers obtain feedback from potential customers, this is a brilliant way of getting yourself out into the gaming industry, and this can be the first steps to landing a job role in games. 

Consoles Incorporating Indie

PlayStation develop works the same way as Steam Greenlight, you publicize your playable game hoping people will buy, download and enjoy your game, there is just some differences, no need for voting and no fees to become a licensed e- publisher. With the PlayStation develop you have the ability to self-publish to the PlayStation Network.

ID@Xbox is a program created by Microsoft that allows independent game developers to self-publish their own playable games to the more recent platform the ‘Xbox one’ console and for Windows PC. 

 ‘AAA’ Horror games.

The Last of Us, release date 2013/2014 (Remastered), Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox one, PC

With a similar concept as Dead Space that has an outbreak of plague that affects the planet and its inhabitants, the last of us has its own approach using a modern day parasitic plague. This is a survival apocalypse game that focuses on two main characters called ‘Joel’ and ‘Ellie’.  The horror of this game is that the parasite that is a form of fungus is a real parasite that latches onto ants that takes control of their brains, their body is then a host for the fungus to mature and spread to other creatures. In game this fungus attaches itself to humans, changing them into zombie like monsters. ‘Neil Druckmann’ who is an American writer, creative director and programmer for Naughty Dog who created this game says, “Nature is way scarier than anything we could ever imagine”. He once watched an episode of Planet earth (2006) documentary that featured about this fungus, thus creating the idea of the game.

Alien Isolation, release date 2014, Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox one, PC.

Alien Isolation is an action adventure game based on the science fiction horror film series. The story takes place 15 years after the events of Alien. Ellen Ripley’s daughter called Amanda is the playable character in this game, she is on a mission to find the truth of what happen to her mother’s disappearance. In this game you find yourself confronted by all sides, by a desperate population and an unpredictable dangerous alien that can appear anytime. You need to stay alive to succeed in your mission. 

Immersion in video game events (Eurogamer, Alien Isolation)

Eurogamer in 2014, the game being promoted to the audience is Alien Isolation, I had the chance to experience this game first hand at the event. As I was waiting in the queue to play Alien I noticed how the organizers and the teams engaged us players. First I noticed that a young woman who was involved in the event was dressed as the main protagonist ‘Amanda Ripley’ she was entertaining the audience by posing for photographs and modelling the replica jacket that the character wears in game. The jacket was a prize whoever survived in the game longest. When I got to go into the room with a small group it was dark barely lit only by some light it seem to resemble a similar design of the environment of the spacecraft corridors in the game, it really did set a scene of pure fright also the impelling sense of wanting to play. I and the group next had to walk through dark curtains to get to the next room which was very similar to the other room but it was very quiet, it welcomed us to a demo of the game and headphones. It was a set level in the game I had a choice of obtaining the flamethrower weapon, but the alien will be lurking. Playing this game in a darkened environment and wearing the headphones easily made me experience anxiety. This was the first horror suspension game that I have played at an event were the organizers have made the actual playing area a creative environment to make the audience fully embrace in the horror of their game.  

PlayStation VR

PlayStation VR is a virtual reality headset, this is currently in development by Sony computer entertainment. This headset fully emerges you into the centre of the new world. PlayStation move controllers can be used with the PlayStation VR, in my opinion I think they will be a little dated in design compare to other competitors. New games will be released as soon as the PlayStation VR hits the shelves later this year, some being: The London Heist, Dreams and a horror game called ‘Whiteday’ at the moment it only has a Korean release date, it is unknown if it will have a western release.    

       

Oculus Rift   

                                       

Oculus Rift is also a virtual reality headset. This device lets you hear details around you with impressive clarity thanks to 3D audio technology. With the constellation tracking system this enable the sensation of presence. You will feel fully emerged inside a game like you have never felt before. Just like the PlayStation VR, the Oculus rift has it very on controllers called ‘Oculus touch’ which seems to be a very comfortable design, I believe these controllers will do well. New games will also be release this year some being: The climb, P.O.L.L.E.N and a horror game called ‘Alone’.   

       

Virtuix Omni and Cyberift

The Virtuix Omni and Cyberift are very similar in what they do, they are treadmills that fully immerge you into the gaming experience by you acting movements in the real world then them actions will then be copied by the first person navigation in game, if you run, jump or crouch the avatar will mimic you. To gain the full experience of these VR platforms, using a PlayStation VR or Oculus Rift will be very beneficial. Both move 360 degrees. I believe using a VR headset combined with a VR platform while playing a horror game that being indie or AAA would absolutely increase the effect of the players level of fear. Will VR headsets and VR Platforms be the next new thing in gaming in the near future? Maybe, maybe not, but I think it is a big step and just wonder what the next 10 years will bring to the future of gaming.