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 gaming, from
casually (gatherings in dorms) to holding competitive tournaments on campus (Schaffhauser,
2014). Therefore, the secondary market for A Night to Dismember will aim for individuals in the
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