Horizon Forbidden West - Video Game and Industry Guide

Overview

• Relevance: Important for AQA A-level Media Studies
• Developer: Guerrilla Games
• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment

i## Sony Interactive Entertainment

• Largest video games publisher globally
• Offices worldwide; thousands of employees
• Part of the larger parent company Sony
• Access to billions of dollars
• Owns a range of subsidiary companies, enhancing its power
• Example of horizontal integration by acquiring companies

Guerrilla Games

• Dutch company, part of PlayStation Studios
• Originally named Lost Boy Games
• Acquired by Media Republic and later by Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Represents horizontal integration to reduce competition

Platform Exclusivity

• Available only on PlayStation 4 and 5
• Exclusivity drives console sales
• Released to coincide with PlayStation 5 launch
• 50% of sales were digital, indicating a shift towards online game downloading

Production

• Delayed due to COVID-19
• Significant use of motion capture technology
• Sequel to a previous game, reducing financial risk
• Competed with Nintendo's Breath of the Wild series

Marketing Strategies

• Use of expansion packs to maintain and re-engage audiences
• Synergetic marketing through a comic book series by Titan Comics
• Released soundtrack and EP; video game soundtracks popular among cult fans
• Music video by singer/actress Nathie Peluso titled "Emergencia"
• Promoted by ANC Media on platforms like Twitch and Instagram
• Early reviews by content creators helped in promotion
• Voice actors like Carrie-Anne Moss and Lance Reddick promoted the game via social media

Ratings

• Rated PEGI 16 in the UK due to some non-graphic violence and language
• Awareness for parents regarding the option to spend real money in the game

Conclusion

• Comprehensive guide to Horizon Forbidden West
• Encouragement to subscribe for more videos and set text guides
• Open for requests and questions from the audience