P4

DISTRIBUTION METHODS

How does Hellblade reach it's players?

Hell blade reaches it's players through a multitude of distribution methods and platforms which includes:

ADVERTISING

PRINT ADVERT

Hellblade Print Advert Analysis

The print advert targets it's Hellblade audience through the colour scheme the advert uses. It prioritises darker colours like blacks, greys and navy blues. This indicates the game isn't for the light of heart and is mainly designed for a more mature audience ranging from 18 - 25+. Additionally, the print advert targets it's audience through the imagery present on it. The picture of Senua in front of a tree with small amount of sparks shows that there is mystery and possibly action in the game as flames generally represent death and hell; along with that, Senua's face is lit very dimly and her face is quite roughed up which implies the action part of the game.

HELLBLADE TRAILER

Hellblade Trailer Analysis

The Hellblade trailer targets it's audience through the intense story followed by the action sequences with clear themes of sadness/depression throughout. This is because the game represents a large amount of subliminal messages relating to mental health issues. For example, when she is surrounding in darkness holding a skull shouting at an unknown presence; this shows that she is struggling to battle with her inner-thoughts. This targets the Hellblade audience as they might be interested about learning about hard issues while playing an entertaining, in-depth story. Another way the Hellblade targets it's audience is through the colour and imagery it uses to portray the main character Senua. For example, at the start of the trailer, she is seen on a log rowing towards a bright light on a silhouette of a mountain in foggy, almost-pitch black lighting. These colours show again that the game isn't intended for a younger audience as it uses primarily dark colours. On top of that, the imagery thats portrayed would interest the target audience as they will be curious to see what the light is and what will happen if she went towards it which overall gives an entertaining vibe to the game along with the serious messages. 

Where is the product Advertised?

Hellblade is primarily advertised through different types of websites including social media and there own page. An example of a social media they used to advertise Hellblade would be Twitter.

In this tweet by Ninja Theory, the company markets its game through platform specificity as they reveal that the game will debut on the Nintendo Switch in Spring.

Layout/Placing of Media Text

In the Hellblade print advert, they put a black background to make the white and blue text stand out on top. They also make the actual title of the product 'Hellblade' larger and central in comparison to all of the reviews surrounding it as they aren't as important as the product itself. Additionally, the main character you play as in 'Hellblade' is positioned to the right of the title to give a sneak peak and build hype as you might be curious to play as the character.

What form of Media is the Advertisement in?
Hellblade is advertised through trailers, print advert and online websites, majority being social media.