There is a trend of borrowing and lending throughout different forms of entertainment. A film we saw last year may hit the video game store shelves, or that track we heard last month might find its way into a new movie. But why is it that graphic novels and animations have such a successful crossover into the gaming world?
Graphic novels and animations have been made into a wide range of games. They’ve been recreated as video games and played online through dedicated websites, mobile app games (such as Pokémon Go), and even online casino games. The latter is growing as one of the most popular gaming niches to find your favourite animation characters. CasinoClub has a large selection of comic-related slots where you’ll find plenty of familiar examples.
Why are graphic novel games successful?
Graphic novels and animations have successfully relocated into the gaming sphere because film and music have also found success when made into video or casino games. The original versions already create a following or fanbase, so when the film or animation is remade into a game, a ready-made market is usually willing to try the game. The characters and narrative are already familiar to the public, making marketing the new game much easier and more effective.
And of course, the game development companies remaking graphic novels into games will only choose animations that have been successful in their own right. They will try to strike deals with the owners of the most successful animations rather than those that weren’t well received. In doing so, the game is already more likely to succeed.
Another reason why graphic novels are often successfully made into games is due to the demographics of the people who like graphic novels and those who enjoy gaming. The same type of people will often spend their time reading comic books, watching animations, and playing games. So, if there is already a ready-made market for the game, it helps that the market is more likely to be interested in gaming to start with.
Examples of successful graphic novel games
There are scores of examples of graphic novels and animations made into games. The Simpsons was one of the earliest animations to be made into video games of different kinds, including a popular boxing game where characters fought it out in a ring inside Moe’s Tavern. A modern example in the gambling industry is the Rick and Morty slot game adapted from the Cartoon Network hit TV show.
Do game designers need permission?
If a game development company wants to use an existing set of characters or narratives for their game, they need permission from the original creators to use them. This will involve paying a fee or royalties. For example, Blueprint Gaming is the slot developer that made the Rick and Morty slot game. As Warner Bros. owns the Rick and Morty franchise, Blueprint will need to have permission and a deal to use the franchise to make their game, which could be costly.
