Game Series
Video Game Series
A video game series, or franchise, is a collection of video games that share common elements, themes, stories, or characters, often building on the success of an initial game to create sequels and spin-offs. These series can span various genres, each offering unique gameplay experiences while maintaining a consistent narrative or thematic continuity. Video game series have significantly shaped the gaming industry, contributing to its growth and cultural impact worldwide.
Evolution and Elements of Game Series
Foundation and Continuity
The foundation of a video game series typically begins with a successful initial game that establishes the core gameplay mechanics, narrative, and characters. This success often leads to sequels that expand on these elements, introducing new features and continuing the storyline. For instance, the Pokémon series, developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, has created a vast universe where players collect and battle creatures known as Pokémon. Each game introduces new regions, Pokémon species, and mechanics, while maintaining the core concept of creature collection and battling.
Popular Franchises
Several video game series have become iconic in the gaming world due to their innovative gameplay and compelling narratives. The Battlefield series, developed by EA DICE and published by Electronic Arts, is renowned for its large-scale multiplayer battles and realistic combat scenarios. Another notable franchise is the FIFA series, recognized by Guinness World Records as the best-selling sports video game franchise globally. The FIFA series is celebrated for its authentic portrayal of international football, featuring real-life teams, players, and leagues.
Cross-Media Expansions
Some video game series extend beyond gaming into other media forms, further enriching their universes and reaching broader audiences. For example, the .hack series not only includes video games but also an original video animation (OVA) series, .hack//Liminality, which complements the storyline of the games. This multimedia approach allows fans to engage with the series' universe in diverse ways.
Cultural Impact
The cultural impact of video game series is profound, influencing not only the entertainment industry but also popular culture. Series like Wolfenstein revolutionized the first-person shooter genre, while Fable offered players moral choices that affected the game's world and narrative outcomes, showcasing the potential for player agency in storytelling.