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V. Target Markets
Primary Target Audience
The primary audience for A Night to Dismember is a blend of multiple markets within the
video game industry, specifically within the Horror and First-Person Shooters (FPS) genres.
The video game industry is easily accessible, with a multitude of active users across various
platforms daily.
The primary audience for A Night to Dismember consists of males, with a particular focus
on the 20-29 years old demographic (Clement, 2024). This age range captures college
students and young professionals. It consists equally of 34% low-income earners, 34% high
income earners, and 32% income earners, so all levels must be accounted for (Clement,
2024). This group is the most receptive to psychological horror elements, violence, and
adult themes, which are key to the game’s experience. Targeting this age group allows the
development team to fully explore the horror genre without the restrictions that would
come with a lower age rating, ensuring that the content remains impactful and intense.
Geographically, while horror games have a global appeal, market research indicates a
strong alignment with the Western gaming market. In particular, the team wants to reach
gamers in New York City, as “New York City is the top city for gamers in the U.S., offering a
thriving gaming community with a wide choice of conventions and meetups” (Hadji-
Vasilev, 2024).
Psychographics reveal that the target audience is drawn to horror, suspense, and
fascinating experiences. They are likely fans of horror literature, films, and other forms in
media, which adds to their enthusiasm for horror games. This audience regularly engages
with similar games like Left 4 Dead, Dead Island, BioShock, and the zombie mode in various
Call of Duty titles. They also spend significant time on platforms like YouTube, where they
watch horror gameplay, follow their favorite content creators, and participate in
discussions about the horror genre (Yang and Zhang, 2021)
A Night to Dismember is designed to cater to all, with relatable and realistic characters that
avoid stereotypical portrayals. The game is crafted to fit various lifestyles, offering
gameplay that can be enjoyed in short bursts or longer sessions, thereby appealing
behaviorally to both casual and hardcore gamers.
In conclusion, by targeting a New York City, male audience of 20 to 29-year-olds who are
passionate about horror and FPS games, A Night to Dismember is positioned to maximize its
impact and reach within the market. Leveraging online channels, especially YouTube and
Steam, will be key in enhancing the game’s visibility and connecting with this core
demographic due to this market’s behaviors.
Secondary Target Audience
The secondary target market expands on the geographical location of the primary market
by targeting the U.S. state of North Carolina. With a culture of video gaming that dates to
the 1970’s, students at North Carolina State University have been actively involved in