Today we discussed USP (Unique Selling Points), Hooks and briefly looked over the PEGI Ratings.
USP (Unique Selling Point)
To start with, we discussed how having a Unique Selling point is important in making a game. A good example of this are Zombie games. There are many zombie games, and a number of which are very memorable due to their USPs. For example, Dying Light is known for parkour, whereas dead rising is about customization and high kills. This is proof that you can make a popular game even in a crowded genre, as well as the importance of a USP.
Hook
Hooks are all about addiction. This literally means to keep the player hooked. This could include currency, XP, customization, ranks, story, expansions as well as visual and audio feedback. This can all be utilized through an external leaderboard so the player can compare themselves globally or compete with friends.
The PEGI Rating system
Today I was also shown how the PEGI rating system. Every game is recommended to go through this board before publishing their game. However, I highly disagree with some of the categories or how some things can be classified at certain ages. The fact that racial slurs are classified as “12” and foul language such as “f**k” and blasphemy are BARELY classified as “16” both confuse and disappoint me. However, the most disturbing of them all is the fact that “depictions of sexual violence or threats (including rape)” is classed as an “18”. I am amazed that this topic can pass as acceptable in games, and am shocked that PEGI allow this to be included within their rating system. In my opinion this topic should be banned as many other topics are, and I am thoroughly disappointed that this is not currently the case.