Week 4

For week 4 of the progression tasks, we have been asked to look into an interactive product and explain what makes it good. I have chosen a game called Valorant.

Why have you chosen this product?

I have chosen this product as I feel like it is new, relevant, and has lots of content to speak about as it is quite original.

What makes it interesting or unique?

The game is a 5v5 competitive shooter, similar to CSGO (which I showcased for week 2). What makes this game unique is that rather than having grenades, and other realistic utility, it allows the different characters to summon smokes using their abilities that they buy at the start of each round. Because of this summoning process, this means that you can curl and spin your utility to your liking. This is very useful.

Who is it aimed at?

This game is aimed at people who are into first person shooter games. Ages around 15-21 I would say. It targets the young adult age range judging by the mature gameplay and cartoon graphics.

How successful has it been? Why?

Due to very good marketing strategies, this game gained around 1.7million viewers on popular streaming platform 'twitch' at one concurrent time. It stayed number 1 on the website for days. The smart marketing strategy was that they only made the game limited release. To get the game, you have to apply on their website, and watch 2 hours worth of other peoples livestreams on twitch. This boosts the game on the website which allows it to be seen by more viewers, as well as supports the streamers who are playing the game.

How does it use narrative, sound, visuals, gameplay?

The sound used in the game includes obviously gun samples, and explosion samples, but also character voices. These are the voices of the developers saying phrases that relate to each of the characters. Doing this creates a personal bond from agent to agent, making the player interested in the characters backstory and lore. The visuals are a very cartoon-like style. I really like the artwork and concept pictures that were released. I really like the art style and colour schemes used. It targets a younger audience and allows the adults playing to have some nostalgia to their childhoods.

Is it designed to be used as a social experience (think of the uses and

gratifications theory)?

This game has a voice chat built in to talk to your teammates. You can add friends, and play multiple matches with people who you find online. You can definetly use this game as a social platform and it can be a very enjoyable social experience. There is also a chat which you type in that allows you to silently send messages to each other and also allows you to talk to the enemy team and have conversation or provide tips on how to play. The developers have got an anti-swear and censorship system in place for the chat to ensure the younger audience are safe from the toxic players.