Study Proposal

For this unit I will be contextually investigating the games industry by producing a focused case study of Lionhead studios. This will cover past to present development and history, founder Sir Peter Molyneux and his relationship with the media when representing the company, and Lionhead as a team, the inside workings as well as their public relations.

I will look at the development and release of titles under the name Bullfrog, Lionhead and Microsoft but I will not be focusing on a particular game or series of games produced. Instead I will be commenting specifically on the social, cultural, ethical and economic contexts within the company and its appearance from the outside. This investigation will include personal analysis and primary research methods as well as secondary, leading to a critical evaluation at the end where my views on the company and what I have learned will be assessed, as well as the efficiency of my research methods and the project as a whole.

At the moment, I regard the studio quite highly. At least 2 of their games were my favourites when growing up, and I respect the work they have produced since. As a company I know that they aim to push what people expect from digital game experiences and always have, but I know very little about what they have planned for the future and look forward to finding out more about Project Natal. I will be commenting on how my opinions change throughout this project.