When a media company realizes they’ve got a killer franchise brewing, they know that capitalizing on it is a must. Whether it’s a series of movies (looking at you, Fast and Furious), a slot game series (Rich Wilde at the best online casinos NZ comes to mind), or a popular video game franchise (see below), they know a familiar name can become their pride and joy and something that fans consistently look forward to.
The beauty of a franchise game is that people are excited for several reasons. Perhaps it’s the continuation of a thrilling story, the opportunity to play as their favorite character again, or the overwhelming nostalgia and familiarity of the experience. Either way, these games benefit the developers too, as they can build upon a prized project and enjoy consistent revenue for years—sometimes even decades.
So, what are these highly successful companies that rely on franchise games? Chances are, you’ve heard these names before—they’re some of the biggest in the industry.
Nintendo
Nintendo has essentially mastered the art of franchise gaming. Many of its game characters and franchises have existed for decades and have paved the way for how other companies build their own. While other companies might rely on one or two to keep them going, Nintendo boasts arguably the highest number in the industry. With The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, Super Mario, Donkey Kong, Pikmin, Kirby, and more, Nintendo has managed to combine the familiarity of these worlds, gameplay styles, and characters with fresh new approaches to gaming that align with the times and what people are looking for.
A good example of this is Super Mario Wonder, a side-scrolling game that takes the familiar style to the next level. Adding in magical and otherworldly effects and building on a more collaborative multiplayer experience, it brings in fun surprises for players of all ages.
Naughty Dog
While Nintendo is well known for its family-friendly franchises, Naughty Dog is a fan favorite for its emotional, narrative-driven experiences like Uncharted and The Last of Us—which has even inspired its very own TV show. The studio is also the creator of the famous Crash Bandicoot series.
These beloved action-adventure titles are almost like interactive movies, where players can put themselves in the position of the main character, making choices and engaging in combat as if they’re living the story. The Last of Us had everything a story game needed—action, exploration, decision-making—and even touched upon difficult topics like morality, humanity, loss and the consequences of our actions. Given this, it’s no surprise that it was a prime candidate for a critically acclaimed show. What’s most remarkable about Naughty Dog is that it started as and stayed an independent studio for nearly two decades until Sony purchased it in 2001.
Activision Blizzard
Activision Blizzard has a portfolio of franchise games that span various genres, from first-person shooters to RPGs—many of which are the largest game franchises in the world. The bread and butter that has brought them renowned success is Call of Duty, the first installment of which was released in 2003. Ever since its debut, it has dominated the first-person shooter genre with immersive single-player campaigns, celebrated multiplayer modes, and many innovations over time that have set the standard for other similar games.
With similar notability is World of Warcraft—the famous fantasy MMORPG released in 2004 that attracted a global player base of millions. It’s considered the greatest MMORPG of all time, with a still-evolving world and a strong community that frequently joins in on large-scale raids together.
Electronic Arts (EA)
EA also has a diverse portfolio, with everything from the best sports simulation games in the market to action-adventure games and single-player experiences. A title you might be familiar with is The Sims series, which remains one of the only virtual character simulation games of its kind for its intense customization and creativity. EA is also responsible for creating a first-person shooter franchise, Battlefront, as well as Mass Effect, a sci-fi RPG with plenty of character building, a strong storyline, and the ability for players to make choices that affect the outcome of the game.
However, EA is best known for its EA Sports label, which includes FIFA (discontinued under the EA brand after 2022), Madden, NBA, and NHL under its belt. These games have realistic gameplay features thanks to advanced technology, such as HyperMotion for realistic motion, AI that adapts to player behavior, and physical attributes that contribute to in-game performance. Each installment updates current rosters and incorporates the newest player statistics, ensuring everything stays fresh. Few companies have the resources and expertise to develop sports games as realistic as these franchises, which means little competition to worry about.
Ubisoft
Creating franchises based on star characters and immersive worlds is Ubisoft’s MO. Its success has come from its team’s ability to transport players into these environments and leave them wanting more. Ubisoft’s most famous franchise is the Assassin’s Creed series, which boasts a distinctive historical setting for an open-world adventure game. Along with a one-of-a-kind setting, the game capitalizes on stealth-based mechanics and storylines bound to hook you in. Like Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us, the franchise has expanded into other media, including books and a movie. The Far Cry series is similar, with a dynamic environment encouraging exploration and featuring memorable characters.
Other Ubisoft franchises include Rainbow Six Siege, a team-based strategy shooter; the Watch Dogs series, which focuses on missions and hacking into technology; and the Ghost Recon series, which has large open-world maps.