TV shows and movies have always held a universal appeal for people all around the world because of their ability to transport viewers to different worlds and get invested in unique storylines. As TV shows and movies are highly entertaining, viewers often want to extend the experience of being in this world by playing themed games based on their favourite. With this in mind, let’s explore the rise of themed games based on popular TV shows and movies.
Video gaming has become one of the most engaging activities for people of all ages. The video gaming industry has managed to stay relevant because of advancements in technology which has made video games more immersive and accessible to people on a global scale.
Over the years, video game developers have recognised the impressive fanbases of popular TV shows and movies, with these creators borrowing elements from them to create exciting themed games for TV show and movie buffs. Nowadays, there are a bountiful array of video games based on a wide range of themes from sports and action to adventure and quiz shows.
Of course, it’s not just video games that take inspiration from TV shows and movies as online gambling operators have also picked up on this trend. In fact, there are a whole host of slot games based on popular TV shows and movies, attracting both amateur and advanced casino fans. For example, the Deal or No Deal slot game gives players the opportunity to be a contestant, just like on the real TV show. Players can choose cases and see if they win big in a game that blends luck and skill. There are also slots based on popular TV series such as the Game of Thrones slot which transports players to the world of Westeros, with interesting symbols and characters from the TV show set against the iconic Game of thrones soundtrack.
Below we’ll take a look at the some of the most iconic video games inspired by TV and movies.
Spiderman 2
One example of a highly successful themed video game is Spiderman 2. The Spiderman films have come a long way since being adapted from Marvel Comics. The film series follows the life of Peter Parker who doubles as Spider Man. His ability to seamlessly swing through the air makes for gripping entertainment but also translates well to video games as fans of the movie can experience life as this iconic figure. The video game Spiderman 2 released in 2023 takes the elements of the source material that would make for engaging gameplay and executes them brilliantly. Players can explore an expansive, open-world New York City, swinging through the skyline with various features and controls that replicate the movements of Spiderman in the films.
Pokémon GO
Another great video game based on a popular TV show is Pokémon GO which is one of the most successful mobile games of all time, breaking records like fastest to earn $100 million and most-downloaded in its first month of release. While Pokémon GO doesn’t follow the exact storyline of the TV series, it manages to capture the main themes of the Pokémon universe, where players capture and train Pokémon. The game allows players to psychically come into contact with the world around them using augmented reality (AR) to find and catch Pokémon in real-world locations, much like Ash Ketchum and other trainers do in the TV series. You’ll stumble across many of same Pokémon characters and locations from the TV show, making your gaming session even more thrilling.
The Simpsons
Furthermore, The Simpsons is still one of the most watched TV shows in the world. With more than 700 episodes broadcast from 1989, The Simpsons remains to be incredibly popular because of its humorous plot and unique characters. Although The Simpsons is still running, avid fans have invested in The Simpsons: Hit & Run game which is a mission-based driving game featuring out-of-the-car platform action, the interactive world of Springfield, and the signature humor of the Simpsons. This video game breaks the fourth wall with viewers as they’re finally permitted to explore all of Springfield with the added bonus of mission-based tasks. Acting as iconic characters from the show including Homer and Bart, players can drive around Springfield, interact with other characters and go off on a side quest to deepen your knowledge about the series.
Ultimately, it’s clear to see how gaming developers have been inspired by TV shows and movies to create exciting video games. TV shows and movies such as the Spiderman franchise and The Simpsons have attracted large fanbases which have continued to be loyal when video games have been made dedicated to them. So, if you enjoy a particular TV show or movie, why not extend the adventure by experiencing it in the form of a video game?