Horizon Forbidden West: Understanding Audiences

Introduction

• Relevance: AQA A-level media studies set text
• Pre-sold audience: Sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn

Audience Appeals

• Escapism: Exotic lands, undiscovered territories, beaches, deserts, mountains
• Entertainment:
  • Action-packed sequences
  • Drama
  • Conflict

Celebrity Voices

• Engagement via celebrity voices:
  • Angela Bassett as Regala
  • Carrie-Anne Moss as Tilda
  • Lance Reddick as Silence

Technical and Tactical Elements

• AI type robots and machinery: Appeals to those interested in engineering
• Tactical gameplay: Requires scanning enemies for weaknesses
• Enigma codes: Secrets and mysteries engaging audience
• Reward system: Leveling up, gaining experience, unlocking secrets

Improvements from Previous Game

• New technologies: Bigger map, underwater discoveries, Valor Surge, freeform climbing, shield wing, focus scanner

Engaged and Active Audiences

• Fan interactions and art
• Active language: Words on cover like "discover," "fight," "uncover"
• Inclusive language: "Join Aloy," "our ruin"

Diverse Representation

• Female audience: Female main character (Aloy), strong role model
• Ethnic diversity: Characters from various ethnic backgrounds
• PS5 technology: More realistic representations of skin colors and textures
• Representation of disability: Characters with life-changing injuries
• LGBTQ representation: Characters with diverse sexualities
• DLC for gender diversity: Burning Shores Edition allows exploring Aloy's sexuality

Mixed Audience Reactions

• Cultural appropriation concerns: Native American face paint and clothing
• Ethnic tropes and white savior narrative
• Difficulty level: Some found it too hard
• Aloy's portrayal: Complaints about lack of sexualization, femininity
• Diversity backlash: Criticisms of being too "woke"
• LGBTQ backlash: Negative reactions to lesbian narrative in DLC

Conclusion

• Further content: Other videos about the game
• Audience engagement: Subscribe and comment for new content ideas