The Cross-Media Dream: A Reality Two Decades in the Making

At first glance, The Last of Us and Hogwarts Legacy may seem like vastly different entities, with the former being a critically acclaimed HBO series and the latter a highly successful video game. However, they share a common thread - they both represent the pinnacle of cross-media franchises, albeit with different approaches. The Last of Us has seen a significant surge in game sales following the release of its TV adaptation, while Hogwarts Legacy has become one of the fastest-selling games in recent years, breathing new life into the Wizarding World franchise. These successes demonstrate the potential for video games to be the cornerstone of cross-media properties, where various media forms intersect and enhance each other. The concept of cross-media has been around for decades, with early attempts like Lucasfilm's Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire and Square Enix's Kingdom Hearts. However, it's only now that we're seeing the true potential of cross-media being realized, with franchises like The Last of Us and Hogwarts Legacy leading the way. A key factor in their success is the ability of each medium to stand on its own, while also being part of a larger, interconnected whole. This allows consumers to engage with the franchise in different ways, with each medium offering a unique perspective or experience. The Last of Us is a prime example of this, with its TV adaptation being remarkably faithful to the original game, while also offering new insights and perspectives. The significant boost in game sales following the release of the TV series demonstrates the virtuous circle of cross-media, where each medium feeds into and enhances the others. Similarly, Hogwarts Legacy has drawn in a distinct audience, with many players being new to the gaming world but familiar with the Wizarding World franchise. The game's success has also shown that cross-media can be a powerful tool for revitalizing a franchise, with the Wizarding World now being centered around the video game medium. As the media landscape continues to evolve, the ability to create and manage cross-media franchises will become increasingly important for publishers and IP holders. With the potential for games, movies, and TV to stand as equal pillars of a successful franchise, the future of cross-media looks bright, and it will be exciting to see how this concept continues to shape the entertainment industry.