Adapting video games into more traditional media formats is not a new phenomenon, but in recent years, these adaptations have been received more warmly by fanbases.
From Detective Pikachu and Sonic the Hedgehog to The Last of Us and The Super Mario Bros Movie, the quality of spin-offs has significantly improved, as evidenced by the positive reactions from gamers.
Serialized shows based on video games are also becoming more prevalent, with the latest addition being Fallout. But what impact does a successful TV adaptation have on a franchise’s game metrics?
For Fallout, Layer founder and CEO Rachit Moti emphatically answers “yes.”
Boosting the Brand
The success of the Amazon Prime Fallout show is evident in its glowing reviews and satisfied fanbase. Moti highlights that Fallout Shelter’s daily downloads saw a 20% increase in the 24 hours leading up to the series release and a whopping 516% increase since the show aired last week.
Currently, the game is holding steady at number seven on Apple’s free games chart, its highest position since 2018. According to Sensor Tower data, it has also climbed to the second spot among all RPGs on Apple’s US App Store.
In terms of daily revenue, there has been a significant 384% boost since the series premiered last week, translating to a total gross revenue of $200,000 in just five days.
This sharp rise in the popularity of a nearly decade-old title demonstrates the impact a new storytelling medium can have on a mobile game. Similar results have been noted on PC as well, with a nearly 17% increase in Fallout 76 players based on Steam data.
“Not surprisingly, the two games with live service elements – Fallout 76 and Fallout Shelter – have shown the most traction due to their tie-in activities of new outfits and characters linked to the show. It’s important to keep in mind that the show is still relatively new, and the full impact of this adaptation will become more apparent in the coming weeks,” Moti explains.
In a different promotional approach, the Barbie movie collaborated with multiple mobile games last year to expand the IP’s reach and boost ticket sales. This included a partnership to bring Barbie to Scopely’s Stumble Guys.
