The Sims FreePlay case study part 2 - Industries
Regulation – PEGI
Research the following using the PEGI website.
1) What is the VSC and how does it link to UK law?
In 2012 the PEGI system was incorporated into UK law and the VSC was appointed as the statutory body responsible for the age rating of video games in the UK using the PEGI system.
2) Note down the key statistics on the homepage.
The VSC has...
The VSC has...
- been in operation for 30 years
- Rated 1200+ games
- Rated 8000+ apps
- 1987 member outlets
3) What is the purpose of PEGI?
PEGI are responsible for supplying consumers detailed information about the content of games with PEGI ratings. They are committed to providing as much helpful information as they can about video game ratings.
4) Click on the PEGI Rating tab in the top menu. What are the age ratings and what do they include?
The age ratings are: 3, 7, 12, !, 16 and 18.
3 - Do not contain anything that requires rating or warrants a content warning. Some violence in a comical context or child-friendly setting is acceptable, as is nudity when shown in a completely natural and non-sexual manner such as breast feeding.
12- More graphic and realistic looking violence towards fantasy characters is allowed. Any violence towards human characters must look unrealistic unless it consists of only minor or trivial injury such as a slap.
Sexual posturing of the type often seen in music videos is also allowed at this level as is sexual innuendo.
Some bad language is allowed but it can be no more than mild swearing.
! - ‘Parental Guidance Recommended’; This serves as a warning that these apps can offer a broad variety of user generated or curated content. Typically, this applies to products such as Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.
16- More mature and realistic violence against human characters. The game may deal heavily with death and injury to humans.
Sexual activity can be shown but it must not include visible genitals. Depictions of erotic nudity may feature.
The worst forms of bad language can be heard and will often include sexual expletives.
The use of tobacco and alcohol may be encouraged, and the game can feature the use of illegal drugs. The game could glamorise crime.
18- The adult classification is applied when the level of violence becomes gross. Gross violence is classed as horrific methods of bringing death or severe injury, including torture, decapitation or dismemberment.
Violence against vulnerable characters such as children and the elderly may feature, along with motiveless violence against multiple innocents. Sexual violence and threat are also classified at PEGI 18.
The game may include detailed descriptions of criminal techniques, or it may glamorise the use of illegal drugs.
Sexual activity with visible genital organs can be shown.
5) Scroll down to look at the ‘How games are examined’ infographic. What is the PEGI process for rating a game?
The PEGI process of rating a game can take between 4-10 working days. The game developer needs to first complete a content declaration statement, where they declare in full detail what the game contains. After this is completed, they are given a provisional rating to be used in advertising. The provider must then send PEGI evidence of their assessment answers; this includes video footage and a copy of the game. The video footage is assessed and analysed to see if anything was missed or misinterpreted from the questionnaire. After this, the game is examined itself and PEGI ensures it tests out things that have not been included in the video. After the completion of the assessment, the developer is sent a formal license in addition to content labels explaining to the consumer how the game attained its rating.
The PEGI process of rating a game can take between 4-10 working days. The game developer needs to first complete a content declaration statement, where they declare in full detail what the game contains. After this is completed, they are given a provisional rating to be used in advertising. The provider must then send PEGI evidence of their assessment answers; this includes video footage and a copy of the game. The video footage is assessed and analysed to see if anything was missed or misinterpreted from the questionnaire. After this, the game is examined itself and PEGI ensures it tests out things that have not been included in the video. After the completion of the assessment, the developer is sent a formal license in addition to content labels explaining to the consumer how the game attained its rating.
The ‘Freemium’ gaming model
Read this Lifewire feature on freemium gaming and answer the following questions:
1) How does the freemium model work?
The typical freemium or free-to-play app is a free download that uses in-app purchases to produce revenue rather than charging a flat fee for the app. Some freemium apps are simply ad-supported apps that offer an in-app purchase to disable the ads, while other apps and games use a more complicated revenue system utilizing in-app purchases.
2) Why do some gamers believe freemium is ruining games?
Some gamers believe the freemium model is ruining games because they feel like some games are forcing them to keep paying in order to experience the game fully. For example, some games use a form of time limitation in their games that can only be alleviated by purchasing items in the store. Other reasons why the freemium model is ruining games is the fact that it creates an unfair advantage. Some players end up paying for boosts or expansions that allow them to finish a game faster than someone who has the free version - known as 'pay to win'.
Furthermore, gamers become frustrated because they want to pay a one-off fee and never have to worry about paying again. However, the freemium model has made people less willing to pay an upfront cost for a game which has led to many other games implementing the freemium model.
Some gamers believe the freemium model is ruining games because they feel like some games are forcing them to keep paying in order to experience the game fully. For example, some games use a form of time limitation in their games that can only be alleviated by purchasing items in the store. Other reasons why the freemium model is ruining games is the fact that it creates an unfair advantage. Some players end up paying for boosts or expansions that allow them to finish a game faster than someone who has the free version - known as 'pay to win'.
Furthermore, gamers become frustrated because they want to pay a one-off fee and never have to worry about paying again. However, the freemium model has made people less willing to pay an upfront cost for a game which has led to many other games implementing the freemium model.
3) What are the positives of the freemium model for gaming?
Positives of the freemium model include the fact that gamers are able to download a game for free and try it out. You are also able to earn the 'premium' content by playing the game over time and building up in-game currency. Furthermore, the freemium model emphasises longevity. This emphasis on longevity leads to more content both through in-app purchases and free updates to keep the game fresh for those playing. This is directly the opposite of gaming just fifteen years ago when a game might get a couple of patches but any bugs left after that were left there for good.
Positives of the freemium model include the fact that gamers are able to download a game for free and try it out. You are also able to earn the 'premium' content by playing the game over time and building up in-game currency. Furthermore, the freemium model emphasises longevity. This emphasis on longevity leads to more content both through in-app purchases and free updates to keep the game fresh for those playing. This is directly the opposite of gaming just fifteen years ago when a game might get a couple of patches but any bugs left after that were left there for good.
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.
- "freemium" games and their in-app purchases account for about 70-80% of the $10 billion or more in iOS revenue each year.
2) Why does the freemium model incentivise game developers to create better and longer games?
Developers want their players to keep playing their game and not get bored so they make sure they are regularly updating their game and adding new customisability. This encourages players to invest more in the game, bringing in more profit for developers through in-game purchases.
Developers want their players to keep playing their game and not get bored so they make sure they are regularly updating their game and adding new customisability. This encourages players to invest more in the game, bringing in more profit for developers through in-game purchases.
3) What does the article suggest regarding the possibilities and risks to the freemium model in future?
Some risks of the freemium model include people complaining that a certain game has led to them spending too much money (some players — as evidenced by this League of Legends subreddit — complain of spending more than $2,000 on the game over the course of several years) or lawsuits from people who claim they had no knowledge that a free game could charge you later on. For example, In 2013, Apple settled a class-action lawsuit for parents who alleged that Apple didn't make it clear that free apps could charge money.
Some risks of the freemium model include people complaining that a certain game has led to them spending too much money (some players — as evidenced by this League of Legends subreddit — complain of spending more than $2,000 on the game over the course of several years) or lawsuits from people who claim they had no knowledge that a free game could charge you later on. For example, In 2013, Apple settled a class-action lawsuit for parents who alleged that Apple didn't make it clear that free apps could charge money.
Read this New York Times feature on freemium gaming and answer the following questions:
1) Why did Temple Run use the freemium model?
The initial release of Temple Run offered the game for 99 cents on the app store and this meant it wasn't as successful as the developers had hoped. However, after removing the price and promoting the game on 'Free App a Day', the game received a tremendous amount of popularity. In total there have been over 40 million downloads and at least 13 million people play the game once a day.
The initial release of Temple Run offered the game for 99 cents on the app store and this meant it wasn't as successful as the developers had hoped. However, after removing the price and promoting the game on 'Free App a Day', the game received a tremendous amount of popularity. In total there have been over 40 million downloads and at least 13 million people play the game once a day.
2) The bigger gaming studios like Electronic Arts used to avoid the freemium model. Why are they now embracing it?
They used to avoid the freemium model because free games had the reputation of being low quality or full of annoying ads. However, they now embrace this model because going freemium can, in the end, lead to bigger profits for the game makers.
They used to avoid the freemium model because free games had the reputation of being low quality or full of annoying ads. However, they now embrace this model because going freemium can, in the end, lead to bigger profits for the game makers.
3) Why does Peter Farago suggest independent game makers benefit more from the freemium model than the major publishers like EA?
Mr. Farago said independent game makers should benefit more from freemium than major publishers like Electronic Arts, Nintendo and
When creating a free game with an online store associated with it, game companies must devote staff and resources to maintaining it because it is a live service. Smaller companies are in a better position than the major ones to start from zero and focus on releasing and maintaining freemium products.
“Freemium is a weapon against the establishment,” “and the establishment has a hard time even wanting to pick up that weapon.
Mr. Farago said independent game makers should benefit more from freemium than major publishers like Electronic Arts, Nintendo and
When creating a free game with an online store associated with it, game companies must devote staff and resources to maintaining it because it is a live service. Smaller companies are in a better position than the major ones to start from zero and focus on releasing and maintaining freemium products.
“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 its initial release, The Sims FreePlay allowed you to control 16 Sims, have a pet dog and a career and that was most of the game. Five years later, however, you can get married, have children, buy more clothes, decorate your house in an infinite amount of ways, pets now range from puppies and kittens to dragons and fairies and the world is full of interesting places for Sims to go.
At its initial release, The Sims FreePlay allowed you to control 16 Sims, have a pet dog and a career and that was most of the game. Five years later, however, you can get married, have children, buy more clothes, decorate your house in an infinite amount of ways, pets now range from puppies and kittens to dragons and fairies and the world is full of interesting places for Sims to go.
2) Why does Amanda Schofield suggest ‘games aren’t products any more’?
She suggests that they are ' services built in a partnership with our players.' and this is because customer support and community management are a critical part of the game development process and must be embedded within the game teams so they not only know what their players are saying about the newest update, but they also can quickly respond to any problems that arise. It also allows the developers to gain feedback on the game so they can continue to make updates and changes that the players want and will make them happy.
She suggests that they are ' services built in a partnership with our players.' and this is because customer support and community management are a critical part of the game development process and must be embedded within the game teams so they not only know what their players are saying about the newest update, but they also can quickly respond to any problems that arise. It also allows the developers to gain feedback on the game so they can continue to make updates and changes that the players want and will make them happy.
3) What does she say about The Sims gaming community?
She states that they are 'very active and always hungry to see more features and content in the game.'
She states that they are 'very active and always hungry to see more features and content in the game.'
4) How has EA kept the game fresh and maintained the active player base?
EA has kept the game fresh and maintained the active player base by adding new professions to the game, making build mode more creative by adding features like balconies and pools and adding new ages (like babies, toddlers and children)
EA has kept the game fresh and maintained the active player base by adding new professions to the game, making build mode more creative by adding features like balconies and pools and adding new ages (like babies, toddlers and children)
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.
- There have been 200 million installs of The Sims FreePlay to date
- 78,000 is the amount of game time in years players have spent in the game
Finally, read this blog on how EA is ruining the franchise (or not) due to its downloadable content. Answer the following questions:
- Being able to create virtual humans with personalities and ambitions and take complete control of their lives
- Experiment with architecture, decoration and landscaping
2) What examples of downloadable content are presented?
New clothing or furniture as well as DLC content based on movies (Star Wars Battlefront II)
New clothing or furniture as well as DLC content based on movies (Star Wars Battlefront II)
3) How did Electronic Arts enrage The Sims online communities with expansion packs and DLC?
They locked several iconic characters and powerful multiplayer abilities behind DLC in “Star Wars Battlefront II.”
They locked several iconic characters and powerful multiplayer abilities behind DLC in “Star Wars Battlefront II.”
4) What innovations have appeared in various versions of The Sims over the years?
Over the years, The Sims has come up with many innovations. These range from 'Seasons' to 'University life' to 'Pets' to 'Get famous'. It is interesting to note that these are all things part of normal everyday real life but when The Sims create an expansion or game pack related to these, they receive massive support and gamers love them. This can be linked to postmodernism and hyper-reality.
Over the years, The Sims has come up with many innovations. These range from 'Seasons' to 'University life' to 'Pets' to 'Get famous'. It is interesting to note that these are all things part of normal everyday real life but when The Sims create an expansion or game pack related to these, they receive massive support and gamers love them. This can be linked to postmodernism and hyper-reality.
5) In your opinion, do expansion packs like these exploit a loyal audience or is it simply EA responding to customer demand?
I personally think that while EA does respond to customer demand and want their players to be happy, they are ultimately a major conglomerate whose aim is to make a profit. Therefore, they often end up releasing new DLC that disappoint their customers. An example of this was “The Sims 4: My First Pet Stuff.” This is a new stuff pack released by EA for The Sims 4 and it angered many players because, not only did it require a previous expansion pack to be played, but it also felt like a scam because its contents should have been offered in 'The Sims 4 Cats and Dogs' expansion pack.
Hence, it is clear that EA sometimes takes advantage of their loyal fan base, as they know they will continue to buy extensions to the game regardless of the price because they are known for wanting to unlock the full potential of the game.
I personally think that while EA does respond to customer demand and want their players to be happy, they are ultimately a major conglomerate whose aim is to make a profit. Therefore, they often end up releasing new DLC that disappoint their customers. An example of this was “The Sims 4: My First Pet Stuff.” This is a new stuff pack released by EA for The Sims 4 and it angered many players because, not only did it require a previous expansion pack to be played, but it also felt like a scam because its contents should have been offered in 'The Sims 4 Cats and Dogs' expansion pack.
Hence, it is clear that EA sometimes takes advantage of their loyal fan base, as they know they will continue to buy extensions to the game regardless of the price because they are known for wanting to unlock the full potential of the game.
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