Gaming Status: TV
Gaming is taking over TV and it's WINNING.
Have you noticed how your favorite video games are suddenly popping up on TV? It's like Amazon's "Fallout" and HBO Max's "The Last of Us" are everywhere, and honestly, I'm here for it. These shows are diving headfirst into the worlds we've spent hours exploring with our controllers, and it's pretty cool to see them come to life on the big screen.
Take "Fallout" and "The Last of Us," for example. They're not just pulling us in with their familiar names; they're actually doing justice to the games we love. The stories, the characters, the whole vibe – it's like they've been lifted straight out of the console and into our living rooms. And the best part? You don't even have to be a hardcore gamer to get sucked into these narratives. They've got something for everyone, and that's the magic of it all.
Imagine the scene: "The Witcher" drops on Netflix, and suddenly, people who’ve never even heard of Geralt are debating his choices, his battles, and yeah, humming along to “Toss a Coin to Your Witcher.” It wasn’t just gamers who fell in love with the series; it drew in fantasy lovers and binge-watchers across the board.
What’s the fuss all about?
Now, why are these shows such a big deal? Well, for starters, they're tapping into an insanely passionate group of people – gamers. We're talking about an audience that's already super invested in these worlds, ready to binge-watch the moment these shows drop. There is a lot of talk about attention spans BUT gamers will spend hundreds of hours in these IP worlds and will spend even more time discussing the games they love. No goldfish here. They are ready to give their attention as long as it’s good.
But it's not just the gamers who are tuning in. These adaptations are bringing in fresh eyes too, expanding the fan base beyond the gaming community. That's a win-win in my book.
And let's talk about the buzz these adaptations are creating. It's not just about sticking to the source material; it's about bringing new life to these stories and giving fans old and new something to talk about. Whether it's on social media or around the water cooler, everyone seems to have something to say about the latest episode of "Fallout" or the emotional depth of "The Last of Us."
Then there’s "Arcane," the animated series based on "League of Legends" from Riot Games, streaming on Netflix too. Talk about striking gold! It resonated not just with the LoL community but also with folks who appreciate high-quality animation and a gripping storyline.
With Disney and Epic Games teaming up, we’re seeing a gigantic leap towards blending gaming experiences with narrative storytelling, hinting at possibilities that could redefine entertainment for the upcoming generations. Imagine the “kingdoms” of Disney intersecting with the universes of Fortnite - this collaboration could spawn entirely new forms of storytelling that we’ve just started to explore. This investment and partnership shows that Disney knows where people spend their time and they want to be a part of it.
Let’s not forget the critical and fan acclaim for HBO's "The Last of Us." Its faithful adaptation and expansion of the game's story have not only pleased the die-hard fans but also attracted viewers who've never picked up a game controller in their life. “The Last of Us” TV adaptation has become a cultural phenomenon crossing the borders of gaming into mainstream viewing habits.
And who could have anticipated the groundswell of support and excitement for Amazon’s "Fallout"? It's as if the post-nuclear war gaming franchise was destined for the screen, bringing with it a rich, deep world ripe for exploration.
What all this points to is a clear trend: the lines between gaming and traditional entertainment are blurring. TV adaptations of popular games are not just about capitalizing on an existing fan base; they're about creating new content that stands solidly on its own, drawing in new fans and giving the original ones new material to geek out over. It’s a thrilling time to be part of both worlds, seeing them converge in ways that respect the source material while creating something uniquely compelling.
Trust me, whether you’re a seasoned gamer, a series aficionado, or someone who's just looking for your next favorite show, there’s a lot to be excited about. These adaptations prove that games have stories just as powerful and worthy of exploration as any book or film out there. And with more adaptations on the horizon, who knows what worlds we’ll get to explore next?
So what?
Simple. TV adaptations of our beloved video games are more than just a trend. They're a clever way to merge the world of gaming with mainstream entertainment, introducing these epic stories to a broader audience, and honestly, they're nailing it. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking for your next binge-worthy show, there's never been a better time to dive into these gaming-inspired series. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
Learning Spotlight:
BIG SOS24 keynote!
Love Ryanair’s socials? Meet the social media legend behind them at SOS24.
Meet Michael Corcoran, the man who made Ryanair’s socials fly.
It takes a special kind of social media alchemist to see that roasting Leo DiCaprio and trolling disgruntled customers would make a winning strategy for an airline. Michael Corcoran is that man. And we’re stoked he’s flying in for State of Social ’24 to sprinkle some of his social media gold dust.
Frankly’s Michael Corcoran has redefined social marketing.
He took budget airline Ryanair to the social media stratosphere. He hooked over 2.1 million followers on TikTok alone. He made his job the most coveted in social media. Then, he walked away from it.
Now, as managing partner at Frankly, a first-of-its-kind social media consultancy, he’s coming to SOS24.
And his keynote has got to be worth the price of your All Access ticket on its own.
Michael’s keynote: Be on Social Without Being on Social Think. What role does social REALLY play for your brand? Are there better ways for you to be on social without simply ‘being’ there? To do more than follow a playbook. More than attempt to be all things to all people. More than post vanilla content.
Join Michael for his keynote where he’ll share:
the four key strategic variables to consider before deciding on the role social plays for you
why the best ideas and strategies for your brand probably won’t make rational sense
how, like Ryanair, with a bit of illogical alchemy you can use social to differentiate your brand, solve problems, leverage opportunities and add real value over time.
Frankly, what are you waiting for?! Grab your State of Social ’24 ticket now.
Talent Opportunities:
Since I started sharing job opportunities and talent here, a lot of other newsletters have started to help others. Here are some of my favorite go-to spots for people looking: