The size of gaming market, two-thirds of US consumers play games on mobile, PC & console, also provides enormous cross-selling potential, implying that more adaptations are likely.
TV adaptations of video games increased by 47%, with shows like HBO’s The Last of Us influencing consumer perceptions of the quality of such titles from 2021 to 2022. Since the 1980s, the number of game-to-screen adaptations has steadily increased, according to research powerhouse Omdia.
Netflix has led the charge with shows based on IP such as Resident Evil, Castlevania, and League Of Legends, which have played a critical role in changing consumer perceptions of video game remakes.
The Last of Us has helped to cement the quality of adaptations, and streamers are now rapidly expanding their video game series, with game IP providing “culturally relevant” content that can be adapted relatively easily.
“Streaming services and studios require more content to monetize and profit from their services. Dedicated fan bases for intellectual property such as games, books, and podcasts are becoming increasingly valuable, “Maria Rua Aguete of Omdia tells TBI.
The size of the gaming market—two-thirds of US consumers play games on mobile, PC, and console—also provides enormous cross-selling potential, implying that more adaptations are likely.
Sales of The Last of Us Part 1 increased by 238% week over week in the week following the game’s release in the UK, while sales of The Last of Us: Remastered increased by 322%. “The quality of shows is also improving,” adds Rua Aguete.
“The days of underwhelming titles such as Tomb Raider and House of the Dead are over. Now, we have shows like The Last of Us on HBO, which demonstrate that the quality, investment, and writing of those adaptations has significantly improved. ”
Adaptations of video games are also on the rise, according to the Omdia analyst, because gaming IP tends to “lean into the political and social zeitgeist.”
“Staying culturally relevant to today’s audiences keeps the storytelling fresh and encourages viewers to engage in conversation. Even topics that may seem divisive to some drive widespread participation “According to Rua Aguete, elements in The Last of Us such as LGBTQ+ representation and multigenerational lead characters are factors in the game’s success.
“The built-in audiences in this adaptation also feel connected to the characters instead of creators building out characters that may not align with how gamers imagined the characters in their experiences.”