by Stacy Gavros
A common complaint that we’ve all heard is that there are no new ideas anymore. However, many people are happy to explore the existing worlds of their favourite characters. Fortunately, commissioning editors have taken note of the latter and are making the most of it. It definitely feels like we’re seeing more video game adaptations than ever.
However, it’s actually a two-way street, with plenty of games taking their inspiration from popular TV shows. To prove the point, here are several examples of shows that became hit games. On top of that, do a deep dive into the top games that became successful and not-so-successful TV adaptations.
TV Series to Games
Content creators of every type are constantly looking for ways to entertain their audiences. Sometimes that means tapping into the zeitgeist, and other times it means doing something innovative. TV show writers and game producers are looking to attract new audiences and keep their existing ones loyal.
It’s something they have in common with the best platforms for slot games, which appeal to players through variety and some famous or familiar faces. Games based on TV shows work in a similar way. They appeal to an existing audience and give them an opportunity to enjoy their favourite characters and worlds in a different way.
RPG Adaptations
One of the most popular ways to adapt TV shows is to turn them into RPGs. Not only do players get to explore the familiar settings, but they can also become and interact with the characters they know and love. When done well, these games can be a big hit and make the shows even more popular.
Notable examples include Game of Thrones, Adventure Time: Pirates of the Enchiridion and South Park: The Fractured But Whole [main image]. There are also simulation games, such as Desperate Housewives and Star Trek: Bridge Crew. One of the most popular adaptations is The Simpsons: Hit & Run.
Casino Games
Another area of gaming where TV show adaptations are popular is in casinos. Slots, in particular, are good vehicles for taking on the themes and characters seen on our televisions. However, there are also live casino game shows based on shows, including Who Wants to Be A Millionaire Roulette and Deal or No Deal Live.
When it comes to pokies, there are many examples. From Narcos and The Walking Dead to Squid Game and Top Cat. Game of Thrones isn’t just an RPG; it’s also a slot adaptation. Plus, fans eagerly await the upcoming Star Trek: The Next Generation release from BGaming.
Games to TV Series
Previously, it seemed that more TV shows became games. However, the scales have become more balanced in recent times. In the last five years, we’ve seen many games adapted into hit series. Every platform is doing it, including Netflix and Prime. Big budgets and famous faces have helped them to achieve global success.
The shows we’re seeing include a mix of live action and animation, showing the broad possibilities for adaptation. While gamers are the core target audience, these series are an excellent way for the concepts to reach new audiences. Balancing that wider appeal with satisfying the fans is a tricky line to walk, though.
Recent Hits
The first game-based shows appeared long ago. However, the recent trend has seen these kinds of productions increase significantly. The trend is still going strong, especially on platforms like Netflix. Its recent hits include The Witcher, Castlevania and Arcane. A huge part of the appeal is getting a closer, and more dramatic, glimpse into the worlds in the games.
Other popular shows that have hit our screens in recent times include The Last of Us, Splinter Cell: Deathwatch and Gangs of London. Let’s skip over Resident Evil and look forward to season two of Fallout, which premieres in December on Prime.
Pioneers
All of the shows listed above were released in 2020 or after. However, there are some pioneers who really showed the potential of game adaptations into TV shows back in the ’90s and early 2000s. Two names, in particular, spring to mind, both of which are cartoons. Sonic X was a hit of the early 2000s, which brought all the game characters together for regular adventures.
What came first, though, was Pokémon. It struck while the iron was hot, hitting our screens a year after the original game release. It’s still going strong to this day. While there have been multiple spinoffs since, the show helped amass the massive fanbase that Pokémon has today.
Keep Them Coming
We’re not done with these adaptations just yet. Commissioners and game developers should keep them coming. We’re sure there are shows that would benefit from a game adaptation. How about a Slow Horses RPG? Plus, there are plenty of untapped games that could become successful shows; maybe a Hollow Knight series will come our way.
