3. research final

1. Research
Kieran Bradley

2. Existing ProductFonts
The fonts used on this game cover have been produced in a way to ensure it sticks out towards the
intended target audience. I would describe the font as “graffiti” like, I think in a way this font carries
personality with it, this is carried on throughout the game. It’s bold, white thickness really sticks out
against the vibrant colours in background. Also the text “Five” is bold black font against a white
strip on top of a large green coloured “V” I think the green and black font really go well together.
Also If you look at the rest of the Grand Theft Auto game covers, you will see that they carry the
same style font and it has become extremely recognizable, globally.
Colours
There are a large number of different colours used within this game cover. I think also they all
individually carry different moods, for example, at the bottom right corner you have an image of a
car, along with a police car. You also have a strong use of the colour orange this could indicate, the
sun setting within the city, also the colours of the police lights are very vibrant and can be seen
clearly. The colours of each character are very realistic, you can see that the producer has taken
there time when creating the characters to make them as life like as possible. Also the black outline
that separates each image, works really well with the colours used, each image represents a
situation/event that you will experience throughout the game.
Props
There are many different props that are used on this front cover, I think just looking at the props
you can tell what sort of game this is and what to expect. Also I have found another indication that
the producers have tried hard to make this game as modern and up to date as possible, I know this
because in one of the images you can see a girl hold and looks to be an Iphone. Also if you were
playing this game for the first time there is a lot on this front cover that gives you an indication of
what you might experience when playing, for example, there are a number of images that have
different vehicles in that you can actually get within the game.
Lighting
Looking at this front cover and gameplay I can see that the different lighting I can see that the
lighting represents the different times of the day and changes of weather throughout the game.
Also I have seen how realistic the weather and lighting is when playing the game, the producer has
really tried hard again to make this game the best that it can be in every possible area. The
changing of weather really adds a sense of realism to the game, if you look at it you will see that it
isn’t blurry or pixelated it’s been produced in the highest format.
Composition
When playing the game you will find that there are many different types of composition, for
example you can switch between first person and third person when walking or driving, when you
get in a vehicle there are many different angels that you can chose from, even an ariel view, in
terms of the general layout of the game, the map is placed in the left hand side along with the
players health and stamina, the phone pops up on the right hand side. When selecting a weapon
your weapon gallery will appear in the center of the screen. Though this layout hasn’t always been
portrayed in this way, if you look at other games within the series they have been different, in San
Andreas, the player had the weapons gallery at the top of the screen and also there health and
stamina. Also at the top of the right hand corner in Grand Theft Auto V is where your most wanted

3. Existing Product
Costumes
When playing the game, you will find that each character has there own original
costume, although this can be changed anytime throughout the game. I have seen that
the costume of the character really fits in well with there story and life style. For
example, Michael, is always wearing a suit, this fits in with his life style, he lives in a big
house and drives nice cars. Trevor's costume is dirty and worn out, but again this fits in
well with his life style and story within the game, he lives in a trailer, his surroundings are
dirty and he doesn’t have much, in the way financially.
Location
When playing the game, you will found that there are many different locations that you
as the player can explore. The detail that has gone in to each area of the map is really
surprising, the two main locations are the city (Los Santos) and western country. As you
go to explore the western country, you will find that you can do almost anything, there
are mountains to explore and wildlife to see. You will also see that when you go in to
these different locations that the people are different, in what they wear and how they
speak. There are a number of other areas that I think really bring something to this game,
the military base being one of them, this for me is one of the most real life areas, for
example as soon as you go on there you will get a number of most wanted stars and you
will be seen as a threat, when looking at the military base if reminded me strong of the
top secret military base Area 51 situated within the Nevada Desert , they have
incorporated the same sign seen at Area 51, in Grand Theft Auto V.
Sound/Music/Effects
There are a large number of sounds and effects, within this game. Anywhere you go you
will experience some form of sound, whether its in the big city or on the top of a
mountain in the middle of no where. Every vehicle you enter when playing the game has
a radio and automatically turns on and depending on what vehicle you enter depends on
the music genre that is selected, although you are free to pick whatever station you
prefer. If you wonder out in to the western country you will most likely hear sounds of
wild life and different effects, in the city you will hear people talking and sometimes
arguing cars driving past you, you also might hear dogs and other animals. These are all
elements that we experience in day to day life.

4. Existing Product
Audience Appeal
After looking at this game and playing it, I can defiantly see why it it has become so
popular amongst young people and its chosen target group. The reasons why I think
this is because of its “real life” element that is shown throughout the game, I would
definitely say it has never been done in the detail that you see within Grand Theft
Auto. Another reason would be because of how modern and up to date they have
tried to make this game. The feeling that you get from this game is excitement and
that is shown all over the front cover, it speaks loud ”action-adventure” and I think
young people are attracted to that a lot, they love the idea of being able to get in to a
car and have full control over it, they like the idea of being able to go on a rampage
and cause destruction, mayhem and they have the chance to that with not just one
character but three. Also young people like the sense of achievement, the feeling of
being rewarded and working towards something. This game has all of that and more
there are hundreds of achievements to unlock. Also this game gives itself a big
opportunity to connect with the player and for the player to find some from of
relation to there on life because this game is so realistic and has so many events that
happen in real life placed within it. Also if you look at the games within this series,
you will find that they get bigger and better each time and I think that young people
are also attracted to that, because they are always looking for the next biggest and
best thing. That is why I think that people will want to go out and buy this game.

5. Existing Product
Fonts
After looking at this front cover, straight away I can see that the font ties in with the
general concept of the game, the concept of the game being about characters
completing hacking missions. If you look at the font you can see it has a ”digital” feel
to it, the letters are individually broke up, you would experience a similar situation in
real life, if your computer has ever crashed or had a virus. This font represents a
negative element, within the game.
Colours
When looking at the background of this front cover, you can see a very clear image
of what looks to the Golden Gate Bridge, situated within the United States. You can
also see what appears to be a drone flying in the sky, this in its self can give you a
good indication of what this games storyline is. The drone also seems to be being
operated by one of the three characters. You can also se a number of mountains in
the distance. There are many different colours that have been used in the
background image, the sky has a very vibrant blue colour, other colours that have
been used are a very vibrant green to outline the grass at the bottom of the image.
Also the colours of the characters clothes are very clear and vibrant, also the main
character is carrying a black shoulder bag, and also a black hand gun. This could
indicate he is going to be committing a crime of some sort, also it looks as if he is
highly trained with the workings of computers and all aspects. Also each character
has there faces covered either by an item of clothing or they are stood in a certain
direction away from the players view. Another character seems to be looking far in
the distance at an apparent object, and the female character seems to be holding
some sort of device .

6. Existing Product
Location
The location within Watch Dogs 2 is is located within the United
States, I know this by analyzing the front cover, I think there some
defiantly some realistic parts within the map on Watch Dogs, the
producers have tried hard to make it as real and modern as
possible, you can see this when playing. Also comparing the two
locations of Watch Dogs and Grand Theft Auto V, there are some
differences and similarities, the differences being, Grand theft
Auto have areas that Watch Dogs just simply wouldn’t think about
making available to the player, for example the military base.
Sound/ Music/Effects
After researching sound, music and effects within Watch dogs 2. I
have found that similar to Grand Theft Auto V, you have access to a
radio in your vehicle but what’s different is, you also have access to
a radio outside your vehicle when your are generally walking
around and exploring. I have also found another element similar to
Grand Theft Auto V, is that your character Watch Dogs 2 has a
phone that pops up on the screen along side with a certain sound
effect.
Costumes
After looking at the three main characters within Watch Dogs 2 I
have found that they wear similar clothes to maybe there target
audience, also that each character has there face covered by some
item of clothing, this can come across as intimidating and un-
nerving.

7. Existing Product
Audience Appeal
After looking at every aspect of Watch Dogs 2, I can see why it would appeal
to its chosen target audience, one of the reasons why it would is because of
the age of the main characters, its clear to see that they are young people and
I think that the player would connect with the game partly because of that.
Another reason is because of the setting and how much detail the producers
have put in to the graphics. Another reason would be the size of the map
within this game, young people are also on the search for something bigger
and better. Also I think this game would be testing and challenging to some
young people and that is another reason on why the audience would want to
buy this game.

8. Existing ProductFonts
After looking at the fonts used within this front cover, I can see that there has been the use of the
vibrant red colour. This use of this colour indicates violent and in some cases death and also that
this game carries violent and age restricted scene. Also the boldness and size of the font will ensure
that this front cover stands out towards the chosen target audience.
Colours
The colours used on this front cover, speak volumes and tells target audience just what this game is
about. The colour red has been used a lot on this cover, its clear to see that the colour represents
this game, if you look closely you will see that nearly everyone is wearing a red bandana, and some
people are holding baseball bats and wearing leather jackets. This items of clothing can sometimes
indicate gang warfare and illegal activity. Also I can see that a person is wearing vibrant coloured
face paint, this indicates that they want to remain anonymous, this can also make them come
across as intimidating and un-nerving.
Composition
When playing the game you see that there are many different types of composition, for example
you can become different characters throughout the game. Also you can look at the different
locations on the map from an ariel view. This game has a very similar layout to other existing
action-adventure games. The map for this game is on the left hand side of the screen, along with
your health and stamina, although you don’t get most wanted stars in this game as you do in Grand
Theft Auto V, you will see a blue dot appear on your map. This tells you that authority are nearby.
Lighting
After looking at the game play for this game, I can see that the lighting for this game is almost
always dark. Also this game is set within a night time setting. I think this fits in very well with the
storyline and general concept of the game. Looking at the lighting on the front over, I can see that
each character is visible and as a player you can see the facial expression of each character very
well. A lot of time and detail in the way of lighting has gone in to the front cover of this game. Also
when playing the game you will experience different types of weather. I have seen that a lot of
detail has gone in to the different changes of weather.
Audience Appeal
After looking at this game and reviewing gameplay, I can see why the chosen target
audience would want to buy and play this game. It has everything and a bit more that you
as the player expect an action adventure game to have. I also think that the image that this
game gives off is partly the reason to why it would be so popular amongst young people.
After doing some research I have found that a film was based on this game and proved to
be very popular according to box office records, making an eye-watering $22.5 Million.
And I also think that the producers of this game (Rockstar) have done exceptionally well in
trying to recreate every detail of the movie within this game.

9. Existing Product
Fonts
Looking at the fonts on this front cover, you can see that an old fashioned font has been used, it is also overlapping
part of the main title. I think that the font really stands well against the background image. The text is also very bold
and stands out at a perfect size to attract the player.
Colours
The producers behind this front cover have thought of a really well put together colour scheme, this has definitely
ensured them that this front cover stands out to there chosen target audience, they have used a mixture of different
colours within this front cover, mainly red, white and black. The red is very vibrant and is the most eye-catching part
of this front cover I feel. I think the use of the colour red really fits in well with the games storyline and general
concept, this colour gives of the indication of death, and negativity. After watching gameplay of this game, it has
both of them elements. The image of the character has been placed against a black background, he is wearing an
item of clothing called a bandana, looking at him he is giving off the impression of being very intimidating and un-
nerving.
Sound/music /effects
Because this game is based on a real life rapper, who goes by the stage name “50 Cent” I have seen in gameplay of
this game that he has incorporated a lot of his own music within the game. When you first start the game, it has an
intro and the producers have incorporated scenes from the artist existing music videos. In the way of sounds and
effects, as other action adventure games, you get a good sound when firing a weapon in this game and the
characters make good realistic sounds when being hit. Also when characters speak they are clear and
understandable.
Location
This games has one main location, New York City, United States. This setting fits in perfectly with the games storyline
and concept I think. Because this game has a very “gangster” feel to it, at the beginning you see straight away that
the main characters in this game are in a gang. Also in real life, you have gangs within New York City, I think the
producers behind this game have done a perfect representation of what New York City is actually like.
Audience Appeal
After looking at this game in depth, I can see the appeal this game carries, and why it would be popular amongst
young people. This is an action- adventure game at its finest. The location of this game really add something, and
make it seem more realistic. Also the missions that you have to complete throughout this game are always different
and challenging. That is what young people look for, they want to be challenged and enjoy the idea of being
rewarded. This game has all of that. Also I think this is a really big element and factor in why this would appeal to
young people and the type of target group the producers are aiming for and that’s because of the main character
being American rapper 50 Cent, he is very well know amongst young people, and they would of definitely of heard
his music, so therefore to have a whole game based around him is an exciting element for them, especially when
they know they can have full control, and in a way be him. I think young people will definitely find that they can
connect with this game and the characters within it.

10. Research Analysis
• What common features do the researched products have?
– After looking at all of my pre-existing products, I can see that they all have a lot in common. They are
all of the same game genre, also they all have similar storylines and concepts. As a player, you can
free roam when playing all of this games, you will also find similar props when playing. Also all games
have near enough the same weather changes and lighting, as seen when reviewing the gameplay for
each game.
• What aspects of the research will you include within your on work?
• When researching for my own video game product, I will make sure I cover all of the aspects that I have
covered for my pre-existing products. I will also make sure that I research most important elements to do
with my target group, by doing this it’s ensuring me that I make my product the best that it can be and the
most attractive, and will really give my audience a reason to buy and play my game, I will look at and get
inspiration from these pre-existing games. Look at there reward system and there achievements also look
at the colour schemes they have used, as that’s one of the most important elements when it comes to
attracting your audience. I will also take away inspiration from the different fonts that these games have
used. Because one of the reasons these games have become so successful is partly because of the colour
scheme and fonts that they have incorporated.

11. Interviews

12. Interview 1
1. What’s your favourite type of video game genre, and why?
– Action/Adventure as I enjoy the escapist element of doing activities I
wouldn’t be able to do in real life- exploring, treasure hunting etc.
2. What do you personally look for in a video game?
– Strong characterization, an interesting narrative and graphics that
reflect contemporary quality. These are all desired but don’t
necessarily all have to be present for me to enjoy a game. These
factors help me to connect with characters and feel invested in the
activities I am undertaking.
3. What would be your ideal concept/storyline for a video game and
why?
– Similar to adventure games and films (Uncharted/Indiana Jones etc).
This genre allows me to explore my interest in this area and live
vicariously through the characters doing activities I would not be able
to.

13. Interview 1
• Observation:
• What this says about my audience:
• After reading through this response I gathered that my audience look for a lot of
different elements when playing and action-adventure game, they look at the
characters within the game and the graphics of the game itself. I have also see that
my audience enjoy doing activities and challenges that they maybe wouldn't be
able to do in real life. I have also seen that my audience like to connect with the
character and feel invested in the game.
• How will your product appeal to this audience:
• After looking at this response, my game will appeal to this audience because I play
to create a free roam action-adventure game. I have also decided that I will be
putting a number of different challenges and activities within my game in order to
ensure that my game attracts this target audience.

14. Interview 2
1. What’s your favourite type of video game genre, and why?
2. I enjoy playing first person shooter games, because I enjoy the free
roaming aspect , and enjoyed playing “soldiers” when I was younger, I find
that these games revisit my childhood.
3. What do you personally look for in a video game?
4. I look for replay ability to look back at my gameplay, because if I find that I
enjoy the game I want to be able to play it again. Also because I have
found that games are so expensive.
5. What would be your ideal concept/storyline for a video game be and why?
6. My ideal concept would be a slasher film story concept, because I love
horror films and I would like a more immersive experience.

15. Interview 2
• Observation:
• After looking at this response I have gathered, that this person plays first person shooter games because it
holds some form of feeling or memory to do with they’re childhood and because they used to play a
similar game when they were younger, this is clearly stated. Also I have seen that they look for a number
of different elements, when playing a game, this particular person looks for replay ability ability.
• What this says about my audience:
• I have found that this tell me a lot about my audience, looking at this response and my other one, I have
found that my audience look for a range of different elements when playing a game. Also I can see that my
audience like a range of different gaming styles. Some enjoy first person and some enjoy other elements,
such as a good storyline with strong characteristics.
• How will your product appeal to this audience:
• My product will appeal to this audience because I plan to produce strong characteristics in my game, and
also look at the different gaming styles I could incorporate within my game. Also I plan to put a number of
achievements in my game and challenges, as that is something my audience strongly look for in a game.

16. Bibliography

17. Bibliography
1. Interviewees, Name. (2018) Target Audience Interviews (conducted on
DATE)
2. Interviewees, Name. (2018) Target Audience Interviews (conducted on
DATE)
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