Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What was the initial problem with the game design for Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer?

  • The game's difficulty level was too high, making it frustrating for players.
  • The game's design was heavily influenced by technology, leading to a lack of fun. (correct)
  • The game was too repetitive and lacked engaging features.
  • The game's design was not based on the popular Tony Hawk style of game, so it lacked appeal.

The Treyarch team was initially aiming for a ______ release date for Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer.

September 2002

What was the primary reason for the game's delay?

The game's design was not finalized and was heavily influenced by technology, resulting in a lack of fun gameplay and a need for a redesign.

The Treyarch team was able to successfully redesign the game and meet the revised release date.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the game mechanics with their descriptions in Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer.

<p>Face Tricks = Tricks performed on the face of the wave Floater Tricks = Tricks performed while surfing on top of a breaking wave Air Tricks = Tricks performed while leaping in the air Tube Tricks = Tricks performed while riding inside a hollow wave</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the influential video game website that reviewed Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer at E3?

<p>ign.com</p> Signup and view all the answers

The reviewer, Douglass C.Perry, praised Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer for its realistic wave interactions, unlike previous surfing games.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main difference between Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer and previous surfing games like TransWorld?

<p>Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer had a more complex and realistic wave interaction system. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following game titles was NOT developed by either Shaba Games, Treyarch, or Z-axis?

<p>Halo: Combat Evolved (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Treyarch is located in San Francisco, CA.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What year was Z-axis acquired by Activision?

<p>2002</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ committee is responsible for approving marketing budgets.

<p>Green Light</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the game titles to the developers:

<p>Wipeout = Shaba Games Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2X = Treyarch Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX = Z-axis Spider-Man: the Movie = Treyarch Soul Reaver: Legacy of Kain = Shaba Games Spider-Man 2 = Treyarch Minority Report = Treyarch Pandemonium series = Shaba Games Aggressive Inline series = Z-axis Magic: The Gathering = Shaba Games Frank Thomas Big Hurt Baseball = Shaba Games</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the original planned launch date for Kelly Slater’s Pro Surfer?

<p>August 2001 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The new team from Treyarch developed the game with a focus on realistic waves.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which quarter of the year is considered important for game sales that Activision was targeting?

<p>Christmas quarter</p> Signup and view all the answers

Activision's extreme sports line was founded upon the success of __________.

<p>Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of a game's sales typically come within the first four months of its release?

<p>60% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the names of the competitors that KSPS aimed to compete against?

<p>Transworld Surf and Sunny Garcia Surfing</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one concern of the managers regarding the September release?

<p>Too many games were launching at the same time. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their descriptions:

<p>Alpha = The fifth milestone in game development Treyarch = The studio that developed the new game engine Green Light committee = The team responsible for approving game development Christmas quarter = A critical sales period for games</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the 'Green Light' process introduced by Activision?

<p>To weed out less successful games earlier in the development process (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Activision's producers operate in a hierarchical manner by directing the development teams without collaboration.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of game development does the 'Green Light' process aim to monitor?

<p>Project progress according to predefined metrics</p> Signup and view all the answers

The development stage where over 70% of costs are incurred is known as the ______.

<p>production stage</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following phases of the 'Green Light' process with their descriptions:

<p>Phase One = Concept Review Phase Two = Development Testing Phase Three = Market Analysis Phase Four = Alpha Testing Phase Five = Final Approval</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which studio was specifically mentioned as having more freedom in their game development process?

<p>ID Software (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The concept review phase may include a simple concept statement and a demo.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did Activision's marketing staff play in the conceptualization of games?

<p>They played a larger role in conceptualizing license-related games, sequels, or extensions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one factor that negatively impacted the game’s sales forecast?

<p>September launch during the competitive Christmas season (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The marketing team projected an increase in sales expectations after the Alpha Review.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What award did KSPS win at the game show?

<p>Most technologically impressive game</p> Signup and view all the answers

The water in KSPS is recreated with deep hues of _____ and _____ for a visually stunning experience.

<p>blues, greens</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following extreme sports games with their performance results:

<p>Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX = Performed below expectations Shaun Palmer's Pro Snowboarder = Performed below expectations Sunny Garcia Surfing = Sales were disappointing Transworld Surf = Sales were disappointing</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following games were mentioned as competition for KSPS?

<p>Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Alpha Review included a presentation of the game’s packaging and promotional materials.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of competitive surfing games such as Sunny Garcia Surfing and Transworld Surf?

<p>Sales were disappointing</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who has been called 'the Michael Jordan of surfing'?

<p>Kelly Slater (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Kelly Slater has won more World Champion titles than any other surfer.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many licensed products of Kelly Slater are currently on the market?

<p>14</p> Signup and view all the answers

The percentage of surfers who named Kelly Slater as their hero is _____%.

<p>42</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the participation growth percentage in the sport of surfing for kids in the past year?

<p>25.6% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following statistics with their correct descriptions:

<p>74% = Surfers who own a PlayStation 37% = Surfers who own a GameBoy 79% = Surfers with Internet access 25.6% = Recent participation growth among kids</p> Signup and view all the answers

Kelly Slater's autobiography is set to be released in Spring 2002.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where is the top-selling Board Riding store associated with Kelly Slater located?

<p>Universal City Walk</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Green Light Committee

A group that evaluates and approves a game's development progress and launch timing.

KSPS Release Timeline

Originally scheduled for August 2001, delayed to September 2002.

Alpha Milestone

A crucial development stage where the game is presented for final review before launch.

Sales Peak Timing

60% of game sales occur within the first four months of release.

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Development Team Change

Initial team faced problems and was replaced by a new team from Treyarch.

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Christmas Quarter Impact

Period when over 50% of game sales typically occur.

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Market Size Estimates

Refined estimates based on consumer interest testing before launch.

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Competitive Analysis

Assessment of competing games like Transworld Surf and Sunny Garcia Surfing.

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Producer Liaison

A producer from the studio who collaborates with Activision's producer to negotiate game features and schedules.

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Collaborative Relationship

A working dynamic between Activision's producer and studio producers that is cooperative, not strictly hierarchical.

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ID Software's Freedom

Some studios, like ID Software, have the autonomy to decide deadlines based on game quality.

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Green Light Process

A staged approach introduced in 1998 by Activision to evaluate game projects to catch failures early.

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Project Review Phases

The five phases of review in the Green Light Process to monitor progression and metrics of game projects.

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Phase One: Concept Review

The first phase of the Green Light Process focused on initial game ideas and basic outlines.

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Game Concept Sources

The origins of game ideas, which can come from developers or marketing staff, especially for sequels.

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Production Stage Costs

The phase of game development where over 70% of the project costs are incurred.

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Game Development Delay

The postponement of the game's release due to design issues.

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Directive Role

Taking charge to guide the design process actively.

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Technologically Driven Design

Design focused primarily on technology rather than gameplay fun.

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Core Design Fundamentals

Basic elements defining how the game is played, such as scoring and trick linking.

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Trick Categories

Different classifications of tricks in the game: face tricks, floater tricks, air tricks, and tube tricks.

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Repetitiveness Addressed

Strategies used to enhance gameplay by adding new elements and challenges.

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E3 Demonstration

Event where the game was showcased to reviewers for the first time.

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Realistic Wave Interaction

Gameplay that allows surfers to mimic actual surfing moves on waves.

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Kelly Slater

A 6-time World Champion surfer aiming for his 7th title in 2002.

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Hero Status

42% of surfers name Kelly Slater as their hero.

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Trendsetting Appeal

Kelly Slater ranks #3 in appeal for trendsetting young men.

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Board Riding Stores

Kelly Slater's stores are top sellers in Quiksilver's chain.

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Crossover Interest

74% of surfers own a PlayStation, 37% GameBoy.

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Youth Participation

2.2 million kids in the US participate in surfing, showing 25.6% growth.

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Internet Access

79% of surfers who read Surfing Magazine have internet access.

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Licensed Products

14 Kelly Slater licensed products include toys and accessories.

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Wave Mechanics

Techniques like riding down, ducking, and entering the wave's barrel.

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Game Aesthetics

The unique colors and realism of ocean water in the game.

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Market Competition

The intense rivalry among games launching during Christmas season.

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P&L Revision Factors

Declining sales forecasts due to seasonal competition and past game performances.

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Previous Game Performance

Results of earlier releases like Pro BMX and Pro Snowboarder affecting expectations.

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Extreme Sports Line Sales

The overall sales expectations for extreme sports games being lowered.

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Underperforming Competitors

Games like Sunny Garcia Surfing and Transworld Surf not meeting sales goals.

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E3 Significance

The major event where game publishers showcase upcoming titles.

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Shaba Games

A San Francisco studio known for high-selling games like Wipeout.

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Treyarch

A Santa Monica studio recognized for games like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater.

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Z-axis

Hayward-based studio known for Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX, acquired by Activision.

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Activision

A leading video game publisher known for many popular franchises.

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Executive Producer

A senior role overseeing game development at Activision.

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Marketing Strategy

The plan for promoting and selling a video game.

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Game Development Process

The series of stages a video game goes through from concept to launch.

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Trade Marketing

Strategies focused on retailers to boost game sales.

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Retail Partnerships

Alliances with stores to sell video games effectively.

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Production Assistants

Junior roles that support producers in game development.

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Study Notes

Activision: The Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer Project

  • Project Background: Activision's Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer (KSPS) game was part of their extreme sports line. It faced challenges due to a previous development team's issues and timeline slips.
  • Development Team: A new team, Treyarch, developed a new engine with realistic waves and trick-based gameplay. The new engine received positive reviews.
  • Launch Timing: The project's original launch was planned for August 2001, but it was repeatedly delayed. The committee had to decide whether to release the game in September 2002 (for the Christmas sales period) or in March 2003.
  • Sales Dynamics: The Christmas quarter is a critical time for video game sales, with over 50% of sales occurring then. Activision's analysis suggested KSPS was superior to existing surfing games.
  • Marketing Budget: A $3.4 million marketing budget was available. This included TV, radio, and print advertising, and ensuring sufficient inventory for the launch.
  • Development Costs: Developing a typical game took 18–24 months and cost $5 million-$10 million. Large, complex games could cost much more.
  • Game Industry Structure: Video game industry involves platforms (Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft), content providers (e.g., movie characters), developers, publishers, and retailers.
  • Game Development Process: Activision employed a "Green Light" review process involving multiple phases (concept review, assessment, prototype, first playable, and alpha) to evaluate potential games for success.
  • Activision's Strategy: Activision, as a publisher, financed and supported the development of games using a portfolio and venture capital approach. They frequently acquired/worked with studios to manage risk.
  • Time-Critical Decisions: Activision's success hinged on quick and accurate decisions regarding game development, marketing, and manufacturing. There was a lot of risk in the game industry.
  • Competition: Competition was keen due to many games released yearly, and the typical short shelf-life of video games. It was important to anticipate changes, as they could take away potential customer interest.
  • Impact of KSPS: The case study focuses on the critical decision of when to release KSPS, considering the Christmas quarter, competition, and market forecasts.

Video Game Industry

  • Growth: The video game industry significantly grew, bypassing the movie box office revenue in 2001.
  • Demographic Shifts: Initially targeted at younger people, video gaming became a mass-market industry with players from all ages.
  • Seasonal Cycle: Peak sales in the Christmas quarter (Q4) were dominant in the video game industry.
  • Hardware Cycles: Console hardware updates every four to six years created an additional cycle of game releases.
  • Profitability Variation: Only about 10% of games released in 1998 were profitable. Success depended significantly on a subset of very popular games.

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