Recent record-breaking successes for the hit TV shows "The Hunger Games" and "Game of Thrones" have propelled each franchise toward a console video game adaptation.
HBO's Game of Thrones is currently working on a video game through development company Cyanide. Game of Thrones has strong reasons to release an RPG after it broke viewership records with 3.9 million viewers over the weekend and a 74 percent increase from last year's series premiere.
Lionsgate, which owns rights to The Hunger Games film, wishes to launch a video game after its record-breaking, $155 million opening weekend.
"Outside of the name that has 'games' in the title, it's [a] no-brainer that you'd make a game based on the book or movie," Lionsgate's digital marketing VP, David Hayes, in an interview with Forbes.
"But we've been careful and cautious that when we do embark on a new project, we're doing it the right way and delivering an experience that fans will enjoy," he added.
One may be wary of movie based video games as a majority of these titles fail to live up to expectations. Examples include games such as Spiderman, Batman, E.T., Avatar, Catwoman, Matrix, and Charlie's Angels. All received non-favorable reviews from both critics and fans.
The addition of merchandise to a video game adaptation may bring significant profits to both franchises but a challenge is keeping it connected with the film. The Hunger Games tested out the gaming waters with a release of a Facebook game app, which has been a hit among fans.
"Hunger Games: Girl on Fire" for Apple devices, allow players to control heroine Katniss Everdeen as she travels beyond District 12 to hunt for food. Situated weeks before the 74th Hunger Games, Everdeen will need to fight for survival by running, jumping, and shooting enemies through each level. Currently the app has 200,000 monthly users according to Facebook.
Game of Thrones is already promoting the upcoming game title via Twitter but rumors are swirling that the RPG will not meet expectations. Reports indicate that players are limited to few options and customizations.
"Aside from The Wall and King's Landing, you'll be spending most of your time in places either never or barely mentioned in the books, and aside from a few characters like Jeor Mormont and Varys, you'll be spending most of your time talking to people created solely for the game," wrote blogger Luke Plunkett from gaming website Kotaku.
"You're also given a choice of two characters you get to play, and that's it. You're a Red Priest or a member of the Night's Watch," he added.
Game of Thrones' previous PC title, "A Game of Thrones: Genesis," was deemed a terrible strategy game along with a lack of commonality to the HBO TV series. Fans felt there was a disconnect between the game's characters and plot. Game development company Cyanide hopes to produce a better game with "Game of Thrones the RPG" will seek for better reviews than its predecessor.
Contrary to reports, George R.R. Martin, creator of A Game of Thrones, seems pleased with the upcoming RPG title. Though Martin did not write the story for the RPG, he has kept a close eye on developments and had say in the creative process.
"Of course I want fans to like it. But nothing pleases everyone, and you can't let that control what you do," said Martin in an interview with Joystiq.
"I've sampled the work Cyanide has done, and I'm largely happy with it. I think many of my fans will share that feeling," he added.
No official announcements were made for The Hunger Game's production start or release date. As for Game of Thrones the RPG, the game is scheduled for a May release and will be available for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC.
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