As anyone who has spent a considerable amount of time in either camp can attest, there seems to be a lot of overlap between people who enjoy video games and people who enjoy movies. Both groups of fans are likely to refer to themselves as “geeks” and are likely to collect figurines and memorabilia of their favorite characters.
There even appears to be a greater overlap between fans of movies and fans gaming than any other hobbies. For example, events like San Diego Comic-Con appeal to people who enjoy movies and games (and comics), rather than movies and cycling or video games and stamp collecting. But why exactly is that?
Fans Can Be Part of the Action Themselves
While films are an enjoyable experience all on their own, action-packed and entertaining, they’re also a passive form of media. Movies are watched and viewed, but you don’t take part in them.
Games, on the other hand, are very much an interactive experience that players actively take part in. What this means is that games allow fans to be part of the action where movies don’t. This is why superhero games like Marvel’s Spider-Man, the forthcoming PS4 game that allows players to swing through the streets of NYC, has garnered so much interest. Or why the Batman: Arkham games have sold millions of copies. They allow fans to experience a world they’ve seen in movies on their own terms, gaining their own insight and experiences.
Games and Movies Go Hand in Hand
There’s also the fact that games and movies go hand in hand, with many video games being based on films and vice versa. A complex example of this is the Jumanji slot which itself is a game based on a movie, based on a book which is about a board game.
The Jumanji slot combines elements of the board game for that cinematic feel fans of the film can get into the gameplay quickly. Meanwhile, the Tomb Raider movie made more than a quarter of a billion dollars at the box office off of the back of gaming. Based on the video game franchise of the same name, it features Lara Croft as she goes on a daring, globe-trotting adventure. This action translated incredibly well to theatre screens. There are many other examples of online slots based on movies, and those curious to try them out can play them without depositing any money by using the free spins offered by most online casinos.
How the Movie and Games Industries Are Reacting
By now, both the movie and game making industries have cottoned on to the fact that their projects appeal to both audiences. It’s why Square Enix’s ambitious Avengers video game project is currently in the works, with multiple games possibly in development, or why Sony is hard at work on its big screen adaptation of the Uncharted game franchise.
The connection between gamers and moviegoers, while sometimes misunderstood, is clear for everyone to see. The way that the two sets of fans interact is beautiful to see, and many will be hoping that there are more ways for them to enjoy media together in the future.
Are you a movie buff? Do you love games? What is your connection? Let us know in the comments below!