List of multimedia franchises originating in games, toys, and merchandise
Following is a list of multimedia franchises originating in games, toys, and merchandise.
In the following tables, the initial media through which the franchise characters or settings became known is shown in boldface. Only works of fiction are considered part of the series; a book or a documentary film about the franchise is not itself an installment in the franchise.
Franchises originating in video games
Including film or television works
Franchise (creator) | Literature | Comics | Animated films | Live action films | Animated TV series | Live action TV series | Video games | Other media |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ace Attorney (Capcom) | yes | yes | no | Ace Attorney (2012) | Ace Attorney (2016–2019) | no | Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (2005) several sequels and spin-offs | Stage play, soundtracks albums, drama CD, Figurines and various other merchandise |
Alone In The Dark (Atari SA, THQ Nordic) | no | Life is a Hideous Thing (2002) | no | Alone In The Dark (2005) Alone In The Dark II (2008) | no | no | Alone in the Dark (1992) | various merchandise |
Animal Crossing (Nintendo) | no | yes | Dōbutsu no Mori (2006) | no | no | no | Animal Crossing (2001) | other merchandise |
Angry Birds (Rovio Entertainment) | yes | yes | The Angry Birds Movie (2016) The Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019) | no | Angry Birds Toons (2013–present) Piggy Tales (2014) | no | Angry Birds (2009) several sequels and spin-offs | theme parks, toys, food products |
Assassin's Creed (Ubisoft Montreal) | Assassin's Creed (book series) | various | animated shorts | Assassin's Creed: Lineage (2009) (short) Assassin's Creed (2016) | no | no | Assassin's Creed (2007) numerous sequels and spin-offs | |
Bayonetta | no | no | Bayonetta: Bloody Fate (2013) | no | no | no | Bayonetta (2009) Bayonetta 2 (2014) | Artbooks, Guidebooks, Soundtrack and other merchandise |
Bomberman | no | Bomberman B-Daman Bakugaiden (1998–1999) Bomberman Jetters (2002–2003) | no | no | Bomberman B-Daman Bakugaiden (1998–1999) Bomberman Jetters (2002–2003) | no | Bomberman (1983) | collectibles, toys, and numerous other merchandise |
Borderlands (2k Take-Two Interactive) | yes | various | no | Borderlands (2024) | no | no | Borderlands (2009) various sequels and spin-offs | Soundtracks, Tabletop games, and various other merchandise |
Call of Duty | no | various | no | Find Makarov: Operation Kingfish (2011) short film | no | no | Call of Duty (2003) | Songs, action figures, card games and several other merchandise |
Castlevania (Konami) | no | yes | no | no | Castlevania (2017–2021) | no | Castlevania (1986) numerous sequels and spin-offs | action figures, collectibles, pachinko games |
Carmen Sandiego (Broderbund) | John peel book series (1991–1993) Carmen Sandiego Mystery (1997) and other book and novels | DC Comics comic series (1996–1997) | Where in the Universe Is Carmen Sandiego? (1999) planetarium film Carmen Sandiego: To Steal or Not to Steal Short film | Carmen Sandiego (TBA) | Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego? (1994–1999) Netflix Animated series (2019–2021) | Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego (1991–1995) Where in Time Is Carmen Sandiego (1996–1997) | Video games series | Board games Concerts Carmen Sandiego Day |
Chrono | no | Dimensional Adventure Numa Monjar (1996) | no | no | Dimensional Adventure Numa Monjar OVA (1996) | no | Chrono Trigger (1995) Chrono Cross (1999) | various merchandise |
Club Penguin (Lance Priebe) | yes | no | no | no | Three television specials (2014–2015) | no | Club Penguin (MMO; 2005–2017) Club Penguin Island (2017-2018) Club Penguin: Elite Penguin Force (2008) Club Penguin: Elite Penguin Force - Herbet's Revenge (2010) Club Penguin: Game Day! (2010) | Collectible card game |
Crash Bandicoot | no | yes | no | no | Crash Bandicoot: No Use Crying Crash Bandicoot Monster Truck Crash Bandicoot – Titan Idol Crash Bandicoot – Have Another (2007) web short series | no | Crash Bandicoot (1996) | Action figures, toys, collectibles and various other merchandise |
Dante's Inferno | no | yes | Dante's Inferno: An Animated Epic (2010) | no | no | no | Dante's Inferno (2010) | |
Darkstalkers (Capcom) | yes | various | no | no | Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge (1997–1998) Darkstalkers (1995) | no | Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors (1994) | Soundtracks, art books and other merchandise |
Dead Rising (Capcom) | no | yes | no | Zombrex: Dead Rising Sun (2010) Dead Rising: Watchtower (2015) Dead Rising: Endgame (2016) | no | no | Dead Rising (2006) | Figure actions, soundtracks and other merchandise |
Dead Space (Glen Schofield) | 2 novels | various | Dead Space: Downfall (2008) Dead Space: Aftermath (2011) | no | no | no | Dead Space (2008) numerous sequels and spin-offs | |
Devil May Cry (Capcom) | Devil May Cry novels | Devil May Cry manga series Devil May Cry comic book series | no | no | Devil May Cry: The Animated Series (2007) | no | Devil May Cry (2001) several sequels | |
Doom (id Software) | Doom novels | Doom (1996) | no | Doom (2005) Doom: Annihilation (2019) | no | no | Doom (1993) numerous sequels and spin-offs | Doom: The Boardgame |
Dota | no | no | no | no | Dota: Dragon's Blood (2021–present) | no | Dota 2 (2013) Artifact (2018) spin-off Dota Underlords (2020) Spin-off | |
Dragon Age (BioWare) | 4 novels | various | Dragon Age: Dawn of the Seeker (2012) | no | no | Dragon Age: Redemption (2011) | Dragon Age: Origins (2009) numerous sequels and spin-offs | other media |
Dragon Quest | various | Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai (1989–1996) and various others | Dragon Quest Saga – The Crest of Roto (1996) Dragon Quest: Your Story (2019) | no | Dragon Quest The Adventure of Dai (1991–1992) Dragon Quest The Adventure of Dai (2020–present) | no | Dragon Quest (1986) | "Yume wo Shinjite", several other merchandise |
Dragon's Lair (Rick Dyer) | no | yes | no | Dragon's Lair (TBA) | Animated series (1984) | no | Dragon's Lair (1983), Sequels | Replica Statue, Action Figures |
Far Cry (Ubisoft) | yes | yes | no | Far Cry (2008) Inside Eden's Gate (2018) | Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix (2023) | The Far Cry Experience (2012) | Far Cry (2004) | board game and other merchandise |
Fatal Frame (Koei Tecmo) | Fatal Frame: A Curse Affecting Only Girls (2014) | Fatal Frame: Shadow Priestess (2014) | no | Gekijōban Zero (2014) | no | no | Fatal Frame (2001) | Zero4D attraction, pachinko games and other merchandise |
Final Fantasy (Hironobu Sakaguchi) | various | various | several | no | yes | no | Final Fantasy (1987) numerous sequels and spin-offs | music |
Fire Emblem (Nintendo) | no | various | no | no | Two animated OVA | no | Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light (1990) | Amiibo Figures, Trade Card Games and other merchandise |
Five Nights at Freddy's (Scott Cawthon) | various | trilogy graphic novels based on novels trilogy | no | FNaF (2023) | Freddy & Friends: On Tour! (2021) | no | Five Nights at Freddy's (2014) numerous sequels and spin-offs | Merchandise, Theme parks attractions, Tabletop games |
Talking Tom & Friends (Samo Login, Iza Login) | no | no | Talking Tom Shorts (2014–present) short film series | no | Talking Friends (2012) Talking Tom & Friends (2015–2021) Talking Tom and Friends Minis (2016–2018) Talking Tom Heroes (2019–2021) | no | Talking Tom (2010) other games and spin offs | Toy Lines and Videoclips |
Grand Theft Auto | no | no | Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Introduction (2004) short film | GTA 2 – The Movie (1999) | no | no | Grand Theft Auto (1997) | Soundtracks, guidebooks and other merchandise |
Half-Life (Valve) | no | no | no | Half-Life Beyond Black Mesa (2011) | no | no | Half-Life (1998) Half-Life: Opposing Force (1999) Half-Life: Blue Shift (2001) Half-Life: Decay (2001) expansion packs Half-Life 2 (2004) Half-Life 2: Episode One (2006) Half-Life 2: Episode Two (2007) expansion packs Half-Life: Alyx (2020) | Soundtracks, guidebooks and other merchandise |
Halo (Bungie) | 19 novels | various | Halo Legends (2010) | no | no | Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn (2012) upcoming series planned | Halo: Combat Evolved (2001) numerous sequels and spin-offs | music, board game, action figures other media |
Hitman (IO Interactive) | no | no | no | Hitman (2007) Hitman: Agent 47 (2015) | no | no | Hitman: Codename 47 (2000) various other sequels and spin-off | action figures and other merchandise |
Kemono Friends (Kemono Friends Project, Mine Yoshizaki) | various guide books | Kemono Friends: Welcome to Japari Park! (2015–2017) Kemono Friends à la carte Kemono Friends 2 | no | no | Kemono Friends (2017) Welcome to Japari Park (2018–present, net animation) Kemono Friends 2 (2019) | no | Kemono Friends (2015–2016 mobile game) various other mobile games, Nintendo Switch game, arcade game | two stage musicals, various music CDs, audio plays, Weiß Schwarz TCG cards |
Kingdom Hearts | Light novels and various guide books | Several manga | Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover (2017) | no | TV series in development for the Disney+ | no | Kingdom Hearts (2002) | Toys, Figurines, clothes, jewelry, trade card game, soundtracks and various other merchandise |
The King of Fighters (SNK) | no | various | no | The King of Fighters (film) (2010) | The King of Fighters: Another Day (2005–2006) The King of Fighters: Destiny (2017) | no | The King of Fighters '94 (1994) numerous sequels and spinoffs | CDs, collectible card game, pachinko games |
Kirby (Masahiro Sakurai) | no | Kirby of the Stars: The Story of Dedede Who Lives in Pupupu (manga 1995–2006) Various (manga) | no | no | Kirby: Right Back at Ya! (2001–2003) | no | Kirby's Dream Land (1992) numerous sequels and spin-offs | Kirby Café, clothes, toys |
League of Legends (Riot Games) | yes | various | no | no | Arcane (2021) | no | League of Legends (2009) several spin-offs | music, tabletop games, other media |
The Legend of Zelda (Shigeru Miyamoto, Takashi Tezuka) | various | The Legend of Zelda (manga) | no | no | The Legend of Zelda (1989) | no | The Legend of Zelda (1986) numerous sequels and spin-offs | other media |
Mario[1] (Shigeru Miyamoto) | Nintendo Gamebooks | various | Super Mario Bros.: The Great Mission to Rescue Princess Peach! (1986) The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) | Super Mario Bros. (1993) | several | The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! | Donkey Kong (1981) numerous sequels and spin-offs | Music theme, electromechanical games, theme parks, and numerous other merchandise |
Mass Effect | Mass Effect: Revelation (2007) several sequels | various | Mass Effect: Paragon Lost (2012) | no | no | no | Mass Effect (2007) numerous sequels and spin-offs | board games, action figures |
Max Payne | no | yes | no | Max Payne (2008) | no | no | Max Payne (2001) Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne (2003) Max Payne 3 (2012) | "Late Goodbye" song and other merchandise |
Mega Man | Mega Man 2 | various | no | upcoming | Mega Man (1994–1995) MegaMan NT Warrior (2002–2003) Mega Man Star Force (2006–2007) | no | Mega Man (1987) numerous sequels and spin-offs | |
Minecraft | novels | Minecraft: the Manga Dark Horse Comics graphic novels | no | Minecraft (2025) | Minecraft Mini Series (2017–2018) Minecraft: The Animated series (TBA) | no | Minecraft (2011) Minicraft (2011) Minecraft: Story Mode (2015) Minecraft Earth (2019) Minecraft Dungeons (2020) Minecraft Legends (2023) | Lego sets Amiibo Figures Board games merchandise |
Monster Hunter (Capcom) | no | Monster Hunter Orage (2008–2009) | Monster Hunter: Legends of the Guild (2021) | Monster Hunter (2020) | Monster Hunter Stories: Ride On (2016–2017) | no | Monster Hunter (2004) | Monster Hunter Hunting Card and several other merchandise |
Mortal Kombat (Ed Boon, John Tobias) | yes | Mortal Kombat (comics) | Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge (2020) | Mortal Kombat (1995) Mortal Kombat Annihilation (1997) Mortal Kombat (2021) | Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm (1996) | Mortal Kombat: Konquest (1998) Mortal Kombat: Legacy (2011) | Mortal Kombat (1992) numerous sequels | collectible card game, live show, action figures |
Pac-Man (Namco) | no | yes | no | Pac-Man live action movie in development | Pac-Man (TV series) (1982–1983) Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures (2013-2015) | no | Pac-Man (1980) numerous sequels | collectible card game, live show, action figures |
Pokémon (Satoshi Tajiri) | yes | Pokémon (manga) | numerous | Pokémon: Detective Pikachu (2019) | Pokémon (anime) | no | Pokémon Red and Blue (1996) numerous sequels and spin-offs | collectible card game, collectible miniatures game |
Prince of Persia (Ubisoft) | yes | yes | no | Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010) | no | no | Prince of Persia (1989) | Lego collectibles, and other merchandise |
Ratchet & Clank (Insomniac Games) | no | Ratchet & Clank: Bang Bang Bang! Critical Danger of the Galaxy Legend (2004–2008) Ratchet & Clank (comic) (2010–2011) | Ratchet & Clank (2016) | no | no | no | Ratchet & Clank (2002) numerous sequels and spin-offs | various merchandise |
Rayman (Michel Ancel, Ubisoft) | no | yes | no | no | Rayman: The Animated Series (1999–2000) | no | Rayman (1995) numerous sequels and spin-offs | Toy |
Red Dead | no | no | Red Dead Redemption: The Man from Blackwater (2010) short film | no | no | no | Red Dead Revolver (2004) Red Dead Redemption (2010) Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare expansion pack (2010) Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018) Red Dead Online (2019) | Guide Books, Soundtracks and other merchandise |
Resident Evil (Capcom) | various | various | Resident Evil: Degeneration (2008) Resident Evil: Damnation (2012) | Resident Evil film series | no | no | Resident Evil (1996) numerous sequels and spin-offs | various merchandise |
Silent Hill (Konami) | yes | Silent Hill (comics) | no | Silent Hill (2006) Silent Hill: Revelation (2012) | no | no | Silent Hill (1999) numerous sequels | various merchandise |
Sonic the Hedgehog | yes | various | no | Sonic the Hedgehog (2020) Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022) Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024) | yes | no | Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) numerous sequels and spin-offs | OVA, various merchandise |
Star Ocean (Square Enix) | no | Star Ocean: The Second Story (1998–2001) | no | no | Star Ocean: The Second Story (2001) | no | Star Ocean (1996) several other sequels | various merchandise |
Street Fighter | yes | Street Fighter (1993) Street Fighter (2003–2018, numerous manga) | yes | Street Fighter (1994) Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li (2009) | yes | Street Fighter: Assassin's Fist (2014–present) | Street Fighter (1987) numerous sequels and spin-offs | card game |
Tekken | no | Tekken Comic (manga) | Tekken: The Motion Picture (1998) Tekken: Blood Vengeance (2011) | Tekken (2010) | no | no | Tekken (1994) numerous sequels and spin-offs | |
The Last of Us | no | The Last of Us: American Dreams (2013) | no | no | no | The Last of Us (in production) | The Last of Us (2013) The Last of Us: Left Behind (2014) The Last of Us Part II (2020) | Artbooks, guidebooks and various other merchandise |
Tomb Raider | various | Tomb Raider (comics) | no | Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003) Tomb Raider (2018) | Revisioned: Tomb Raider Animated Series (2007) | no | Tomb Raider (1996) numerous sequels and spin-offs | amusement park rides, other media |
Trails | yes | yes | yes | no | yes | no | The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky (2004) numerous sequels and spin-offs | Manga, anime, audio dramas, stage play, soundtracks, drama CD, figurines and various other merchandise |
Uncharted | Uncharted: The Fourth Labyrinth (2011) | Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (2007) Uncharted: Eye of Indra (2009) Uncharted (2011) | no Uncharted (2022) | no | no | Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (2007) | Soundtracks and numerous other merchandise | |
Xeno | no | no | no | no | Xenosaga: The Animation (2007–2008) | no | Xenogears (1998) various other sequels and series | Amiibo Figures and other merchandise |
Warcraft | various | various | no | Warcraft (2016) | no | no | Warcraft: Orcs & Humans (1994) numerous sequels and spin-offs | tabletop games |
Wing Commander (Origin Systems) | various | no | no | Wing Commander (1999) | Wing Commander Academy (1996) | no | Wing Commander (1990) numerous sequels and spin-offs | collectible card game |
Zone of the Enders | no | no | Zone of the Enders: 2167 Idolo (2001) OVA | no | Z.O.E. Dolores, I (2001) | no | Zone of the Enders (2001) Zone of the Enders: The Fist of Mars (2002) spin-off Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner (2003) | various merchandise |
Yo-kai Watch (Akihiro Hino) | no | Manga series (2012-2021) | Anime film series | no | Yo-kai Watch (2014-2018), Yo-kai Watch Shadowside (2018–2019), 2019 remake | no | many games and spin offs | toys, merchandise |
Not including film or television works
Franchise (creator) | Literature | Comics | Video games | Other media |
---|---|---|---|---|
Alan Wake | yes | no | Alan Wake (2010) Alan Wake's American Nightmare (2012) expansion pack | soundtrack and other merchandise |
Banjo-Kazooie (Rare) | no | yes | Banjo-Kazooie (1998) | action figures, toys, and other merchandise |
Battlefield (DICE, Electronic Arts) | Battlefield 3: The Russian (2011) Battlefield 4: Countdown to War (2013) | no | Battlefield 1942 (2002) | action figures and other merchandise |
Bioshock (Ken Levine, Take Two Interactive) | yes | no | Bioshock (2007) Bioshock 2 (2010) BioShock Infinite (2013) | soundtrack, action figures, board games, clothes and other merchandise |
Bloodborne (From Software) | no | various | Bloodborne (2015) | Card game, board game and other merchandise |
Contra (Konami) | no | yes | Contra (1985) Several other sequels and spin-offs | various merchandise |
Crysis | Crysis Legion (2011) Crysis Escalation (2013) | yes | Crysis (2007) Crysis Warhead (2008) expansion pack Crysis 2 (2011) Crysis 3 (2013) | Board game, action figures and other merchandise |
Darksiders | no | yes | Darksiders (2010) Darksiders II (2012) Darksiders III (2018) Darksiders Genesis (2019) Spin-off | Action figures and other merchandise |
Dead Island (Techland) | yes | yes | Dead Island (2011) Dead Island Riptide (2013) expansion pack Escape Dead Island (2014) spin-off | various merchandise |
Destiny (Bungie) | yes | yes | Destiny (2014) several expansion and one sequel | Artbooks, Guidebooks, Soundtracks, Cookbooks, and various other merchandise |
Deus Ex | Deus Ex: Icarus Effect (2011) Deus Ex: Fallen Angel (2013) Deus Ex: Black Light (2016) Deus Ex: Hard Line (2016) | Deus Ex: Human Revolution (2011) Deus Ex: Children's Crusade (2016) Deus Ex: The Dawning Darkness (2016) | Deus Ex (2000) Deus Ex: Invisible War (2003) Deus Ex: Human Revolution (2011)Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (2016) | Art Books, Guide Books and other merchandises |
Diablo | various | various | Diablo (1996) Diablo II (2000) Diablo III (2012) | |
Dishonored | various | no | Dishonored (2012) Dishonored 2 (2016) Dishonored: Death of the Outsider (2017) expansion pack | Tabletop role-playing game and other merchandise |
Drakengard | various light novels and books | various manga | Drakengard (2003) numerous sequels and spin-offs | CD drama, soundtracks, musical band, stage play and other merchandise |
Duke Nukem (3D Realms) | no | Duke Nukem: Glorious Bastard (2011) | Duke Nukem (1991) | Action figures, toys and other merchandise |
The Elder Scrolls | The Infernal City (2009) Lord of Souls (2011) and several others | no | The Elder Scrolls: Arena (1994) | board games, tabletop role-playing games and several other merchandise |
The Evil Within | yes | yes | The Evil Within (2014) The Evil Within 2 (2017) | various merchandise |
Fable (Microsoft Studios) | Fable: The Balverine Order (2010) several others | no | Fable (2004) several sequels and spin-offs | Music, soundtrack and other merchandise |
Fallout (Bethesda) | no | yes | Fallout (1997) several other sequels and spin-offs | tabletop wargame, board games and other merchandise |
Gears of War | Gears of War: Aspho Fields (2008) several sequels | Gears of War (comics) | Gears of War (2006) Gears of War 2 (2008) Gears of War 3 (2011) Gears of War: Judgment (2013) | board game |
God of War | yes | yes | God of War (2005) several sequels and side games | music |
Guild Wars | various | no | Guild Wars (2005) | Artbooks, Guidebooks, soundtracks and numerous other merchandise |
Horizon Zero Dawn | no | various | Horizon Zero Dawn (2017) Horizon Forbidden West (2022) | Action figures, soundtrack and other merchandise |
Ico | yes | no | Ico (2001) Shadow of the Colossus (2005) The Last Guardian (2016) | Soundtrack, Artbook, Guidebook and various merchandise |
Infamous | no | yes | Infamous (2009) Infamous 2 (2011) Infamous: Festival of Blood (2011) expansion pack Infamous Second Son (2014) Infamous First Light (2014) expansion pack | various merchandise |
Just Cause | no | yes | Just Cause (2006) Just Cause 2 (2010) Just Cause 3 (2015) Just Cause 4 (2018) | various merchandise |
Killzone | yes | yes | Killzone (2004) Killzone: Liberation (2006) spin-off Killzone 2 (2009) Killzone 3 (2011) Killzone: Mercenary (2013) spin-off Killzone Shadow Fall (2013) | various merchandise |
Left 4 Dead | no | The Sacrifice (2010) | Left 4 Dead (2008) Left 4 Dead 2 (2009) | songs, figure action, music and other merchandise |
Legacy of Kain | no | yes | Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain (1996) | Merchandise |
Life Is Strange | yes | yes | Life Is Strange (2015) | Merchandise |
Metal Gear (Hideo Kojima) | yes | several[broken anchor] | Metal Gear (1987) numerous sequels and spin-offs | other media |
Metroid (Nintendo) | no | various | Metroid (1986) | Soundtracks and other merchandise |
Onimusha (Capcom) | yes | yes | Onimusha Warlords (2001) | Guide books, soundtracks and other merchandise |
Portal | no | Portal 2: Lab Rat (2011) | Portal (2007) Portal 2 (2011) | Board game, T-shirt, collectibles and other merchandise |
Quake | no | yes | Quake (1998) several other sequels and spin-offs | Guide books and other merchandise |
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | no | Sekiro Side Story: Hanbei the Undying (2020) | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019) | Guide Books and various merchandise |
The Oregon Trail (Don Rawitsch | yes | no | The Oregon Trail and numerous sequels, editions and spin offs | Board Game Card Game Handheld device |
Sly Cooper | Sly Cooper: To Catch a Thief (2006) | The Adventures of Sly Cooper (2004-2005) Manga (2005) | Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus (2002) Sly 2: Band of Thieves (2004) Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves (2005) Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time (2013) | various merchandise |
Soulcalibur | yes | yes | Soul Edge (1995) | Action figure, collectible cards, and various other merchandise |
Splatoon (Nintendo) | no | various | `Splatoon (2015) Splatoon 2 (2017) Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion (2018) Splatoon 3 (2022) Splatoon 3: Side Order (2024) | Amiibo Figures, Music and other merchandise |
StarCraft | yes | yes | StarCraft (1998 and later expansions) StarCraft II (2010 and later expansions) | tabletop games |
Suikoden (Konami) | yes | yes | Suikoden (1995) | guide books and various merchandise |
Star Fox (Nintendo) | no | various | Star Fox (1993) | Amiibo Figures, Web video and other merchandise |
Thief | no | yes | Thief: The Dark Project (1998) Thief II: The Metal Age (2000) Thief: Deadly Shadows (2004) Thief (2014) | Merchandise |
Ultima (Richard Garriott) | yes | yes | Ultima I: The First Age of Darkness (1981) several sequels, spin-offs and console ports | Merchandise |
Watch Dogs (Ubisoft) | yes | yes | Watch Dogs (2014) Watch Dogs 2 (2016) Watch Dogs: Legion (2020) | Merchandise |
Wolfenstein (Id Software) | no | yes | Wolfenstein 3D (1992) | guide books and other merchandise |
Zork (Infocom) | yes | no | Zork (1977) numerous sequels | interactive gamebooks |
Franchises originating in board games, card games, tabletop games and role-playing games
Franchise (creator) | Literature | Comics | Animated films | Live action films | Animated TV series | Live action TV series | Video games | Other media |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BattleTech (Jordan Weisman, L. Ross Babcock III) | List of BattleTech novels | yes | no | no | BattleTech: The Animated Series (1994) | no | yes | Classic BattleTech wargame several other table-top games |
Car Wars (Steve Jackson Games) | 3 novels | yes | no | no | no | no | Autoduel | Car Wars table-top game other table-top games |
Cyberpunk | List of Cyberpunk novels | Cyberpunk 2077: Trauma Team (2020) | no | no | Cyberpunk: Edgerunners | no | Cyberpunk 2077 (2020) | Cyberpunk tabletop role-playing game, Netrunner, Cyberpunk the CCG, CyberGeneration, The Arasaka Brainworm, Greenwar and various other role-playing and board games |
Dungeons & Dragons (Gary Gygax) | Dungeons & Dragons novels | Dungeons & Dragons comics | Dragonlance: Dragons of Autumn Twilight (2008) | Dungeons & Dragons (2000) two sequels Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023) | Dungeons & Dragons (1983–1985) | no | List of Dungeons & Dragons video games | Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game board games |
Glorantha (Greg Stafford) | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | King of Dragon Pass | White Bear and Red Moon RuneQuest HeroQuest |
Magic: The Gathering (Richard Garfield) | several | several | no | no | no | no | several | Magic: The Gathering trading card game |
Mutant Chronicles (Target Games) | 3 novels | yes | no | Mutant Chronicles (2008) | no | no | Doom Troopers (1995) | Mutant Chronicles role-playing game several table-top games |
Shadowrun (FASA Corporation) | several | no | no | no | no | no | several | Shadowrun role-playing game several table-top games |
Warhammer (Games Workshop) | List of Warhammer Fantasy novels List of Warhammer 40,000 novels | Warhammer Fantasy comics Warhammer 40,000 comics | Ultramarines: A Warhammer 40,000 Movie (2010) | no | no | no | Warhammer video games | Warhammer Fantasy Battle miniature wargame several other table-top games |
World of Darkness (White Wolf Publishing) | several | yes | no | no | no | Kindred: The Embraced (1996) | yes | Vampire: The Masquerade role-playing game several other table-top games |
Franchises originating in toys, attractions and other media
Franchise (creator) | Literature | Comics | Animated films | Live action films | Animated TV series | Live action TV series | Video games | Toys, attractions and other media |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alvin and the Chipmunks (Ross Bagdasarian) | no | yes | The Chipmunk Adventure (1987) Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet Frankenstein (1999) Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet the Wolfman (2000) several TV specials | Little Alvin and the Mini-Munks (2004) Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007) Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (2009) Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked (2011) Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip (2015) | The Alvin Show (1961–1962) Alvin and the Chipmunks (1983–1990) ALVINNN!!! and the Chipmunks (2010) | no | yes | "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)" (1958); Alvin and the Chipmunks discography live stage show |
The Amory Wars (Claudio Sanchez) | Year of the Black Rainbow (2010) | several | no | upcoming | no | no | yes | Albums by Coheed and Cambria |
American Girl (Pleasant Rowland) | numerous | no | no | several | no | no | several | American Girl dolls |
Barbie (Ruth Handler) | numerous | yes | numerous direct to video | Barbie (2023) | Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse (2012–present) | no | several | Barbie fashion dolls |
BanG Dream! (Bushiroad) | BanG_Dream! Star Beat (2016) | several | BanG Dream! Film Live (2019) BanG Dream! Episode of Roselia (2021) | no | BanG Dream! (2017–2020) BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! Pico (2018–2020) | no | BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! (2017) | Live Concerts, Albums and various merchandise |
Bratz (Carter Bryant) | several | no | several direct to video | Bratz: The Movie (2007) | Bratz (2005–2006) | Bratz Design Academy (2008) | several | Bratz fashion dolls |
Captain Sabertooth (Terje Formoe) | numerous | several | yes | The Dream of Captain Sabertooth's Kingdom and several others | no | yes | several |Captain Sabertooth Stage plays | |
Care Bears (Elena Kucharik, Linda Denham) | several | yes | The Care Bears Movie (1985) Care Bears Movie II: A New Generation (1986) The Care Bears Adventure in Wonderland (1987) Care Bears: Journey to Joke-a-lot (2004) The Care Bears' Big Wish Movie (2005) Care Bears: Oopsy Does It! (2007) Care Bears: To the Rescue (2010) Care Bears: Share Bear Shines (2010) Care Bears: The Giving Festival (2010) || no || Care Bears (1985) The Care Bears Family (1986–1988) Care Bears: Adventures in Care-a-lot (2007–2008) Care Bears: Welcome to Care-a-Lot (2012) Care Bears & Cousins (2015–2016) Care Bears: Unlock the Magic (2019) | no | several | Care Bears greeting cards various merchandise | ||
Digimon (Bandai) | Digimon Adventure Light Novel (2001) | several | 9 | no | 6 | no | several | Virtual pet Card game |
G.I. Joe (Hasbro) | no | G.I. Joe comics | G.I. Joe: The Movie (1987) G.I. Joe: Spy Troops (2003) G.I. Joe: Valor vs. Venom (2004) G.I. Joe: Ninja Battles (2004) | G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009) G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013) Snake Eyes (2021) | G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (1983–1986) G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (1989–1992) G.I. Joe Extreme (1995–1997) G.I. Joe: Sigma 6 (2005–2006) G.I. Joe: Resolute (2009) G.I. Joe: Renegades (2010–2011) | List of G.I. Joe video games | List of G.I. Joe action figure series | |
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams) | 5 original novels (1979–1992) And Another Thing... (2006) | yes | no | The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005) | no | The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (1981) | several | The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy radio series (1978–1980) stage play |
Lego (The Lego Group) | several | no | The Lego Movie franchise; direct-to-video films Piece by Piece (2024) | no | no | no | several | Lego building blocks; Legoland theme park |
Lone Ranger (George W. Trendle or Fran Striker) | The Lone Ranger (1936), and numerous others | various| | no | The Lone Ranger (1938 film serial); | The Lone Ranger (1966–1968) | The Lone Ranger (1949–1957); numerous others | The Lone Ranger (1991) | The Lone Ranger (1933 radio show) |
Madea (Tyler Perry) | Don't Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings (2006) | no | Madea's Tough Love | numerous | no | House of Payne | no | I Can Do Bad All by Myself (1999) Numerous other stage plays |
My Little Pony (Hasbro) | yes | yes | My Little Pony: The Movie (1986) Various direct-to-video films produced in 2000s My Little Pony: Equestria Girls (2013) and two sequels My Little Pony: The Movie (2017) My Little Pony: A New Generation (2021) | no | My Little Pony (1984 TV special) My Little Pony: Escape from Catrina (1985 TV special) My Little Pony (1986, part of My Little Pony 'n Friends anthology series) My Little Pony Tales (1992) My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic (2010) | no | yes | My Little Pony (toy line) |
The Odd Couple (Neil Simon) | no | no | no | The Odd Couple (1968) The Odd Couple II (1998) | The Oddball Couple (1975–1977) | The Odd Couple (1970–1975) The New Odd Couple (1982–1983) The Odd Couple (2015) | no | The Odd Couple (1965 stage play) |
Patlabor (Headgear) | yes | Patlabor: The Movie (1989) Patlabor 2: The Movie (1993) WXIII: Patlabor the Movie 3 (2002) | The Next Generation Patlabor: Shuto Kessen (2015) | Patlabor on Television (1989−1990) | The Next Generation: Patlabor (2014–2015) | yes | Patlabor: Early Days (1988–1989 OVA) Patlabor: The New Files (1990–1992 OVA) Patlabor Concert Tour '92: Project Tokyo soundtracks, toys, model kits | |
Pirates of the Caribbean[2] (The Walt Disney Company) | Pirates of the Caribbean: Jack Sparrow (12 books) Pirates of the Caribbean: Legends of the Brethren Court (5 books) Pirates of the Caribbean: The Price of Freedom | no | no | Pirates of the Caribbean (film series) (2003–2017) | no | no | List of Pirates of the Caribbean video games | Disney theme park ride, beginning in 1967 |
Strawberry Shortcake (Muriel Fahrion) | yes | yes | several | no | several | no | List of Strawberry Shortcake video games | Strawberry Shortcake greeting cards various merchandise |
Transformers[2][3] (Hasbro, based on two existing toy lines created by Takara) | List of Transformers books | Transformers (comics) | The Transformers: The Movie (1986) Transformers One (2024) | Transformers (film series) (2007–present) | The Transformers (1982–1987); various series | no | List of Transformers video games | Transformers: Generation 1 toy line (1984) |
See also
- List of fictional shared universes in film and television – many multimedia franchises are based in fictional universes
- List of public domain works with multimedia adaptations
- List of highest-grossing media franchises
- Media mix
References
- ^ Roger Parry, The Ascent of Media: From Gilgamesh to Google Via Gutenberg (2011), p. 317, ISBN 1857885708: "Along with associated feature films, comic books, and character merchandise, Mario has become a hugely valuable global multimedia franchise".
- ^ a b Harry J. Brown, Videogames and Education (2008), p. 41, ISBN 0765629496:
In one of the most celebrated ventures in media convergence, Larry and Andy Wachowski, creators of The Matrix trilogy, produced the game Enter the Matrix (2003) simultaneously with the last two films of the trilogy, shooting scenes for the game on the movie's sets with the movie's actors, and releasing the game on the same day as The Matrix: Reloaded. Likewise, on September 21, 2004, Lucasfilm jointly released a new DVD box set of the original Star Wars trilogy with Star Wars: Battlefront, a combat game in which players can reenact battles from all six Star Wars films. In 2005, Peter Jackson likewise produced his blockbuster film King Kong (2005) in tandem with a successful King Kong game designed by Michael Ancel and published by Ubisoft. In the last several years, numerous licensed videogame adaptations of major summer and holiday blockbusters were released a few days before or a few days after their respective films, including: all three Star Wars films (1999–2005); all five Harry Potter films (2001–2008); all three Spider-Man films (2002–2007); Hulk (2002); The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002); The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003); The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005); Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006); Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007); and Transformers (2007). These multimedia franchises have made it more difficult to distinguish the production of films and videogames as separate enterprises.
- ^ Marc DiPaolo, War, Politics and Superheroes: Ethics and Propaganda in Comics and Film (2011), p. 39, ISBN 0786485795: "The multimedia franchise is bolstered by the imaginations of the Transformers fans that imbue the flimsy material with their own potent fantasies of family cars and household devices turning into robots".
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