You’ve probably already noticed a growing overlap between entertainment franchises and digital games. In the past decade, we’ve seen the influence of online gaming experiences like Minecraft and Fortnite — both of which stepped into international culture. But what about when this process happens in reverse? How about when pop culture transforms into games?
There’s a special sort of excitement when beloved characters and worlds morph into visually explorable experiences. Let’s explore how themes from TV, movies, and comics have transitioned into popular games.
The Power of Familiarity: Why Brands Matter in Gaming
Brand familiarity is an essential component of game design. It drives emotional attachment, sustains player interest, and drives sales. In many pop culture-inspired games, this would involve heavy investments in character design. From Harry Potter to Kim Kardashian, the draw of recognisable characters is huge. Their aesthetic, personality, behaviour, and scripts all form the basis of a compelling brand identity.
Notably, it doesn’t always come down to single figures — some of the most successful games lean on specific worlds or dynamics. It just has to be magnetic enough.
Movie and TV-Inspired Game Worlds
Many movies and TV shows transition successfully into games because of high demand for immersive experiences. For instance, the Harry Potter series was as much about the world of Hogwarts as it was a character-based focus. Because of that, the Hogwarts Legacy game released in 2023 doesn’t actually include Harry Potter — instead allowing gamers to create their own character and world. Many popular franchises are taking this approach: creating fully immersive gaming environments.
Themed Slot Games: From Fantasy to Reality Shows
Blurring the boundaries between real and fantasy is all part of the immersive process. Pop culture has become more and more extravagant, which has placed focus on frivolous activities like slot games. Themed slot games incorporate real jackpot earnings and live dealer options. For those intrigued by the “Vegas experience” but, in reality, would prefer to stay on their couch, this is a possible avenue.
What’s Next? Predicting Future Crossovers
Pop culture is ever-evolving, so predicting future crossovers is always a challenge. That said, confirmed game releases for 2026 include the Game of Thrones-inspired War for Westeros — an exciting prospect for many. With the rise in gaming influencers, it’s safe to bet that the industry will continue to experience a crossover with social media and culture. Gaming, social media, and pop culture are becoming increasingly intertwined — drawing inspiration from each other more fluidly than ever.
One thing is for certain: pop culture still has plenty of surprises up its sleeve. What movie or series do you wish would finally be made into an online game?
