Gaming Studio

Software to be used:

A gaming studio would need good quality and high end gaming software and programs so that games can be managed easily and different peripherals can be manipulated and managed, e.g. steam/ origin. Also the actual games themselves will need to be on the system as well, also additional software to make the experience better, such as Windows 10 home, steam, Skype/discord

Network sharing needs:

It should have LAN and a stable internet connection so that online games can be played and downloaded. from websites or from game programs, e.g. steam.

Need for maintenance contract:

A warranty/ maintenance contract is recommended as problems may occur that cant be fixed by the user, for example, a part may be broken so it will need to be replaced, if warranty is purchased then it wont be as much as a problem. Usually the standard warranty that comes with all/most devices lasts a year but the user could extend the overall warranty of the devices so that repairs are covered for over a longer period of time.

Outputs required:

Multiple HDMI outputs for multiple monitor support. Digital Audio Out for extremely good sound. Multiple USB.3 ports for multiple uses. An Ethernet cable port would be needed for a stronger connection. Also speakers and gaming headphone for more dynamic sound and for a diverse experience.

Need for integration with other systems such as home entertainment:

The games that the user will play, will already integrate with other systems as the game creators and designers using release the games for multiple devices/ consoles e.g. Xbox, PlayStation and PC. The gaming studio would need to be able to connect to online servers in order to play online or at least have LAN capability. Although most creators don't do it, games could integrate with other systems so that multiple copies don't have to be bought but this depends on the system capabilities and the creators abilities.

Processing power:

The PC systems that are used in the gaming studio would need a lot of extremely powerful and fast processors, depending on what each game/program requires in terms of specs. Lots of the the newer games require more powerful processors as the rendering and processing time is more on demand, but with the correct specs there will be less lag, less frame rate issues and an overall smoother experience. Processors such as Intel's i7 line will need to be integrated into systems so that the processing time decreases.

Storage capacity:

At least 1 TB because of the fact that a lot of the newer games require a lot of storage. And so a bigger storage area is recommended to not only store the programs/ games but to also run them smoothly as well.

Accessibility for disabled users:

Although there are a lot of people out there, that have disabilities the gaming studio would still be good for them as well, as it wouldn't require people to move as they would be sitting down most of the time. Also in most games/ programs there are different settings that can help the less abled. E.g. there are colour bind settings for people with colour blindness and others that can suit different people.

The ICT competence of the intended user:

In terms of being able to launch, play and change the settings for different games, the user wouldn't need too much IT competence. But some knowledge of IT and problems is recommended so basic problems like, games crashing and software not running correctly can be fixed without an issue.

Training requirements:

A little amount of training is needed to use a gaming studio as most of the problems that occur can be fixed quite easily, with common sense or with a quick google search. And if the user wanted to build a system from scratch with the correct parts then they would need some training or basic knowledge in IT as it does require more sill to do it.

Cost:

Even the more basic systems need to have a good amount of specs as most games require somewhat high quality parts. Games that have only just been released will need high end components as the graphical visuals increase in detail as game developers gain more resources and money in order to make their games better and smoother to play. The average gaming PC can cost up to £600, in order to be able to play the majority of games, but the more expensive and high quality PC's can cost up to £3000. Which is a lot of money but the system woulds last for a long time. And most games now cost around £50 or more depending on what game ad version it is but a plus a bout PC gaming is that the games can be gained quite easily with a little amount of money being spent on them.

Option 1: