Using the Videogame Awareness Project as a platform, we have conducted several rounds of special studies. We want you to be aware of these capabilities of the Project as well so that you can call on them as needed.

Game Concepts: We have run special studies that test gamer interest in short concept statements that presage how a game will be sold to the broader gaming public. Other techniques are available for testing how gamers respond to gaming concepts by simulating game play. We are particularly pleased to have been involved in two projects that identified and “rescued” two concepts that became very significant titles for their publishers. Coupled with other aspects of the Videogame Awareness Project, game concept tests are a confirmed and powerful resource.

Brand Awareness and Franchise Loyalty: We have tested gamer awareness of and interest in character and game franchises as part of the analysis of game concepts. Prior to the availability of the Videogame Awareness Project, some useful information on these issues was generated by informal focus groups. This kind of market analysis, however, is notoriously unreliable for projection purposes and can be (indeed, was) extremely misleading in terms of likely market acceptance and sales. We have since tested the appeal of follow-up “episodes” versus new titles and new brands, which has been helpful in allocating development funds and time to pipeline projects.

Handheld Market: With the growing popularity of handheld consoles such as Nintendo’s Game Boy Color™ and the continued support of these products by third party publishers, we have incorporated hand-held gaming into our tracking service. Currently, our tracking captures owners of Sega Dreamcast, Sony PlayStation or PlayStation2, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance.

To read one of our more recent Special Studies entitled Comparing Generations of Console Gaming, click here.

If you would like more details or have any questions about our Special Studies offerings, email us at aainfo@alexassoc.com or phone 212.684.2333.