Gaming meets streaming: How TV series and film franchises are shaping the future of games
For some considerable time, games producers have looked to films and television for inspiration. Many of our favourite movies and shows have gone on to provide a storyline for some sector of the gaming industry.
Many areas of gaming are involved, but some have embraced the concept more than others.
Satisfied users
The best examples of this evolution can be seen in the world of online gaming. When the first platforms emerged in the mid-1990s, the range of available titles was quite limited – just a handful of digital games designed to offer some basic entertainment. Fast forward to today, and the landscape has expanded dramatically. A quick look at any major UK online gaming hub reveals a packed and diverse schedule of content. One of the most popular categories remains the casual game section, including those on the UK online casinos list, where hundreds of themed titles compete for attention. With such variety, developers are free to explore countless themes to engage different types of players.
Some of the most popular gaming themes revolve around music, fantasy, and animals, while others take inspiration from popular culture, including film and television.
Top shows in online gaming
A growing number of digital games are officially licensed from film and TV series, blending storytelling and interactive elements. Popular titles include adaptations inspired by Lara Croft, Deal or No Deal, Jumanji, Ted, The Goonies, and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, among others. Each game offers unique mechanics and visual styles designed to reflect the spirit and plotlines of the original shows.
While many of these games are officially licensed, others take inspiration from familiar genres and characters. For instance, some adventure-based titles echo the look and feel of classic movie heroes – such as a certain whip-wielding explorer played by Harrison Ford.
Films impacting gaming
Beyond slot play, many more traditional video games are starting to feel the impact of TV and Films. A whole host of titles have been licensed by the shows, and, while The Simpsons is arguably the best example, there are many others.
The Fall Guy, That’s So Raven, Hannah Montana and ALF are among the countless video games linked to our favorite shows. In the world of film, there are even more titles with games inspired by Mission: Impossible, 007 Legends, Alien Vs Predator, Terminator and many, many more.
It’s a list that can only continue to grow, while in recent years, video games and films have found a new way to combine.
A two-way street
A relatively new phenomenon is enhancing the way that film and TV shows work with the gaming industry. Even those with no interest in video gaming will have noticed the buzz around A Minecraft Movie.
This 2025 release is based on the gameplay of the 2011 Minecraft release. Here we have a film that is essentially a big screen version of the video game itself. The tasks and quests involved with Minecraft are carried out by the characters, and it’s proving a popular release among gamers and film lovers alike.
A Minecraft Movie will bring this type of film into focus, and while it will be considered as a groundbreaker, there have been precedents. Prior to its release, Mortal Kombat laid a path when it came out in 2021, and in 2025, fans will be treated to Mortal Kombat II.
Moving forward to 2027, The Legend of Zelda is set to continue the theme of games providing the plot for blockbuster movies.
While the trend for film franchises and TV shows to influence games has been around for many years, it’s only gained momentum in recent times. In the future, we can expect to see even more collaborations as the two work more closely together.
Meanwhile, the attention gained by A Minecraft Movie underlines the potential for game producers to work even more closely with franchises in order to explore those new innovations.
The editorial unit
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
RSS