List of multimedia franchises originating in games, toys, and merchandise

Last updated

Following is a list of multimedia franchises originating in games, toys, and merchandise.

Contents

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)
LiteratureComicsAnimated filmsLive action filmsAnimated TV seriesLive action TV seriesVideo gamesOther 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)

noLife is a Hideous Thing (2002)no Alone In The Dark (2005)

Alone In The Dark II (2008)

nono Alone in the Dark (1992)

several other sequels and reboots

various merchandise
Animal Crossing

( Nintendo )

noyes Dōbutsu no Mori (2006)nonono Animal Crossing (2001)

numerous sequels and spin-offs

other merchandise
Angry Birds
(Rovio Entertainment)
yesyes 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)
nono Assassin's Creed (2007)
numerous sequels and spin-offs
Bayonetta

(Platinumgames)

nono Bayonetta: Bloody Fate (2013)nonono Bayonetta (2009)

Bayonetta 2 (2014)

Artbooks, Guidebooks, Soundtrack and other merchandise
Bomberman

(Hudson Soft

Konami)

no Bomberman B-Daman Bakugaiden (1998–1999)

Bomberman Jetters (2002–2003)

nono Bomberman B-Daman Bakugaiden (1998–1999)

Bomberman Jetters (2002–2003)

no Bomberman (1983)

several sequels and spin offs

collectibles, toys, and numerous other merchandise
Borderlands

(2k Take-Two Interactive)

yes various no Borderlands (in production)nono Borderlands (2009)

various sequels and spin-offs

Soundtracks, Tabletop games, and various other merchandise
Call of Duty

(Activision)

no various no Find Makarov: Operation Kingfish (2011) short filmnono Call of Duty (2003)

numerous sequels, series and spin-offs

Songs, action figures, card games and several other merchandise
Castlevania
(Konami)
noyesnono 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)
Numerous video games Board games
Concerts
Carmen Sandiego Day
Chrono

(Square Enix)

noDimensional Adventure Numa Monjar (1996)nonoDimensional Adventure Numa Monjar OVA (1996)no Chrono Trigger (1995)

Chrono Cross (1999)

Various Merchandise
Club Penguin

(Lance Priebe)

yes nonono 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

(Naughty Dog, Activision)

noyesnonoCrash Bandicoot: No Use Crying

Crash Bandicoot Monster Truck

Crash Bandicoot – Titan IdolCrash Bandicoot – Have Another (2007) web short series

no Crash Bandicoot (1996)

several other sequels and spin-offs

Action figures, toys, collectibles and various other merchandise
Dante's Inferno

(Visceral Games, Electronic Arts)

noyes Dante's Inferno: An Animated Epic (2010)nonono Dante's Inferno (2010)
Darkstalkers

(Capcom)

yes various nono Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge (1997–1998)

Darkstalkers (1995)

no Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors (1994)

several sequels

Soundtracks, art books and other merchandise
Dead Rising

(Capcom)

noyesnoZombrex: Dead Rising Sun (2010)

Dead Rising: Watchtower (2015)

Dead Rising: Endgame (2016)

nono Dead Rising (2006)

several sequels, spin-offs and re-leases

Figure actions, soundtracks and other merchandise
Dead Space
(Glen Schofield)
2 novels various Dead Space: Downfall (2008)
Dead Space: Aftermath (2011)
nonono 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
nono 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)
nono Doom (1993)
numerous sequels and spin-offs
Doom: The Boardgame
Dota

(Valve)

nononono 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)nono Dragon Age: Redemption (2011) Dragon Age: Origins (2009)
numerous sequels and spin-offs
other media
Dragon Quest

(Square Enix)

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)

Numerous sequels and spin-offs

"Yume wo Shinjite", several other merchandise
Dragon's Lair
(Rick Dyer)
noyesnoDragon's Lair (TBA) Animated series (1984)no Dragon's Lair (1983), Sequels Replica Statue, Action Figures
Far Cry

(Ubisoft)

yesyesno Far Cry (2008)

Inside Eden's Gate (2018)

Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix (2023)The Far Cry Experience (2012) Far Cry (2004)

several sequels and spin-off

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)nono Fatal Frame (2001)

other sequels and spin-offs

Zero4D attraction, pachinko games and other merchandise
Final Fantasy
(Hironobu Sakaguchi)
various various several noyesno Final Fantasy (1987)
numerous sequels and spin-offs
music
Fire Emblem

( Nintendo )

no various nono Two animated OVA no Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light (1990)

Several other sequels and spin-offs

Amiibo Figures, Trade Card Games and other merchandise
Five Nights at Freddy's
(Scott Cawthon)
various trilogy graphic novels based on novels trilogyno FNaF (2023)nono Five Nights at Freddy's (2014)
numerous sequels and spin-offs
Merchandise, Theme parks attractions, Tabletop games
Talking Tom & Friends

(Samo Login, Iza Login)

nonoTalking Tom Shorts (2014–present) short film seriesnoTalking Friends (2012)
Talking Tom & Friends (2015–2021)
Talking Tom and Friends Minis (2016–2018)
Talking Tom Heroes (2019–2021)
noTalking Tom (2010)
other games and spin offs
Toy Lines and Videoclips
Grand Theft Auto

(Rockstar Games, Take-Two Interactive)

nono Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Introduction (2004) short film GTA 2 – The Movie (1999)nono Grand Theft Auto (1997)

numerous sequels and spin-offs

Soundtracks, guidebooks and other merchandise
Half-Life

(Valve)

nononoHalf-Life Beyond Black Mesa (2011)nono 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)nono 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)

nonono Hitman (2007)

Hitman: Agent 47 (2015)

nono Hitman: Codename 47 (2000)

various other sequels and spin-off

action figures and other merchandise
Kemono Friends
(Kemono Friends Project, Mine Yoshizaki)
various guide booksKemono Friends: Welcome to Japari Park! (2015–2017)
Kemono Friends à la carte
Kemono Friends 2
nonoKemono Friends (2017)
Kemono Friends 2 (2019)
noKemono Friends (2015–2016 mobile game)
various other mobile games, Nintendo Switch game, arcade game
Welcome to Japari Park (2018–present, net animation)
two stage musicals, various music CDs, audio plays, Weiß Schwarz TCG cards
Kingdom Hearts

(Square Enix)

Light novels and various guide booksSeveral manga Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover (2017)noTV series in development for the Disney+ no Kingdom Hearts (2002)

various sequels

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)
nono 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 nono 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) nono 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)nonono Mass Effect (2007)
numerous sequels and spin-offs
board games, action figures
Max Payne

(Rockstar Games, Take-Two Interactive)

noyesno Max Payne (2008)nono 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 noupcoming Mega Man (1994–1995)
MegaMan NT Warrior (2002–2003)
Mega Man Star Force (2006–2007)
no Mega Man (1987)
numerous sequels and spin-offs
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)

numerous sequels and spin-offs

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)
noyesnono Pac-Man (TV series) (1982–1983)no Pac-Man (1980)
numerous sequels
collectible card game, live show, action figures
Persona

(Atlus)

variousvarious Persona 3 The Movie:#1 Spring of Birth (2013)

Persona 3 The Movie:#2 Midsummer Knight's Dream (2014)

Persona 3 The Movie:#3 Falling Down (2015)

Persona 3 The Movie:#4 Winter of Rebirth (2016)

Persona 4: The Animation -The Factor of Hope- (2012)

no Persona: Trinity Soul (2008)

Persona 4: The Animation (2011–2012)

Persona 4: The Golden Animation (2014)

Persona 5: The Animation (2018–2019)

no Revelations: Persona (1996)

several sequels and spin-offs

CD Dramas, Stage plays, Persona Stalker Club , Persona 3: The Weird Masquerade , musicals, action figures and numerous other merchandise
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)

yesyesno Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)nono Prince of Persia (1989)

several other sequels and spin-offs

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)nonono Ratchet & Clank (2002)
numerous sequels and spin-offs
various merchandise
Rayman
(Michel Ancel, Ubisoft)
noyesnono Rayman: The Animated Series (1999–2000)no Rayman (1995)
numerous sequels and spin-offs
Toy
Red Dead

(Rockstar Games, Take-Two Interactive)

nono Red Dead Redemption: The Man from Blackwater (2010) short filmnonono 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 nono 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)
nono 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)

yesno Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)
numerous sequels and spin-offs
OVA
Star Ocean

(Square Enix)

no Star Ocean: The Second Story (1998–2001)nono 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)nono Tekken (1994)
numerous sequels and spin-offs
The Last of Us

(PlayStation Studios)

no The Last of Us: American Dreams (2013)nonono 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

(Nihon Falcom)

yesyesyesnoyesno 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

(PlayStation Studios)

Uncharted: The Fourth Labyrinth (2011)Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (2007)

Uncharted: Eye of Indra (2009)

Uncharted (2011)

no Uncharted Live Action Fan Film (2018)

Uncharted (2022)

nono Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (2007)

several other sequels and spin-offs

Soundtracks and numerous other merchandise
Xeno

( Monolith Soft )

nononono Xenosaga: The Animation (2007–2008)no Xenogears (1998)

various other sequels and series

Amiibo Figures and other merchandise
Warcraft various various no Warcraft (2016)nono Warcraft: Orcs & Humans (1994)
numerous sequels and spin-offs
tabletop games
Wing Commander
(Origin Systems)
various nono Wing Commander (1999) Wing Commander Academy (1996)no Wing Commander (1990)
numerous sequels and spin-offs
collectible card game
Zone of the Enders

(Hideo KoJima, Konami)

nono Zone of the Enders: 2167 Idolo (2001) OVAno 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) Yo-kai Watch: The Movie (2014), Yo-kai Watch: Enma Daiō to Itsutsu no Monogatari da Nyan! (2015), Yo-kai Watch: Soratobu Kujira to Double no Sekai no Daibōken da Nyan! (2016), Yo-kai Watch Shadowside: Oni-ō no Fukkatsu (2017), Yo-kai Watch: Forever Friends (2018)noYo-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)
LiteratureComicsVideo gamesOther media
Alan Wake

(Remedy Entertainment, Microsoft Studios)

yesno Alan Wake (2010)

Alan Wake's American Nightmare (2012) expansion pack

soundtrack and other merchandise
Banjo-Kazooie

(Rare)

noyes Banjo-Kazooie (1998)

numerous sequels and spin-offs

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)

several other sequels spin-offs and sub-series

action figures and other merchandise
Bioshock

(Ken Levine, Take Two Interactive)

yesno Bioshock (2007)

Bioshock 2 (2010)

BioShock Infinite (2013)

soundtrack, action figures, board games, clothes and other merchandise
Bloodborne

(From Software)

novarious Bloodborne (2015) Card game, board game and other merchandise
Contra

(Konami)

noyes Contra (1985)

Several other sequels and spin-offs

various merchandise
Crysis

(Crytek, Electronic Arts)

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

(Vigil Games, Gunfire Games)

noyes Darksiders (2010)

Darksiders II (2012)

Darksiders III (2018)

Darksiders Genesis (2019) Spin-off

Action figures and other merchandise
Dead Island

(Techland)

yesyes Dead Island (2011)

Dead Island Riptide (2013) expansion pack

Escape Dead Island (2014) spin-off

various merchandise
Destiny

(Bungie)

yesyes Destiny (2014)

several expansion and one sequel

Artbooks, Guidebooks, Soundtracks, Cookbooks, and various other merchandise
Deus Ex

(Square Enix)

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

(Arkane Studios , Bethesda Softworks)

various no Dishonored (2012)

Dishonored 2 (2016)

Dishonored: Death of the Outsider (2017) expansion pack

Tabletop role-playing game and other merchandise
Drakengard

( Square Enix )

various light novels and booksvarious manga Drakengard (2003)

numerous sequels and spin-offs

CD drama, soundtracks, musical band, stage play and other merchandise
Duke Nukem

(3D Realms)

noDuke Nukem: Glorious Bastard (2011) Duke Nukem (1991)

several other sequels and spin-offs

Action figures, toys and other merchandise
The Elder Scrolls

(Bethesda Game Studio)

The Infernal City (2009)

Lord of Souls (2011)

and several others

no The Elder Scrolls: Arena (1994)

and numerous other sequels, spin-offs and expansions

board games, tabletop role-playing games and several other merchandise
The Evil Within

(Bethesda)

yesyes 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)

noyes 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

(ArenaNet, NCSoft)

various no Guild Wars (2005)

Several expansion packs and one sequel

Artbooks, Guidebooks, soundtracks and numerous other merchandise
Horizon Zero Dawn

(PlayStation Studios)

novarious Horizon Zero Dawn (2017)

Horizon Forbidden West (2022)

Action figures, soundtrack and other merchandise
Ico

(PlayStation Studios)

yesno Ico (2001)

Shadow of the Colossus (2005)

The Last Guardian (2016)

Soundtrack, Artbook, Guidebook and various merchandise
Infamous

(PlayStation Studios)

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

(Square Enix)

noyes Just Cause (2006)

Just Cause 2 (2010)

Just Cause 3 (2015)

Just Cause 4 (2018)

various merchandise
Killzone

(PlayStation Studios)

yesyes 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

(Valve)

no The Sacrifice (2010) Left 4 Dead (2008)

Left 4 Dead 2 (2009)

songs, figure action, music and other merchandise
Legacy of Kain

(Square Enix Europe)

noyes Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain (1996)

several other sequels and spin offs

Merchandise
Life Is Strange

(Square Enix)

yesyes Life Is Strange (2015)

other sequels and sin-offs

Merchandise
Metal Gear
(Hideo Kojima)
yes several Metal Gear (1987)
numerous sequels and spin-offs
other media
Metroid

(Nintendo)

no various Metroid (1986)

numerous sequels

Soundtracks and other merchandise
Onimusha

(Capcom)

yesyes Onimusha Warlords (2001)

various sequels and spin-off

Guide books, soundtracks and other merchandise
Portal

(Valve)

noPortal 2: Lab Rat (2011) Portal (2007)

Portal 2 (2011)

Board game, T-shirt, collectibles and other merchandise
Quake

(Id Software)

noyes Quake (1998)

several other sequels and spin-offs

Guide books and other merchandise
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

(From Software)

noSekiro Side Story: Hanbei the Undying (2020) Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019)Guide Books and various merchandise
The Oregon Trail

(Don Rawitsch
Bill Heinemann
Paul Dillenberger)

yesno The Oregon Trail and numerous sequels, editions and spin offs Board Game
Card Game
Handheld device
Sly Cooper

(Sucker Punch Productions)

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

(Bandai Namco Entertainment)

yesyes Soul Edge (1995)

numerous sequels and spin-off

Action figure, collectible cards, and various other merchandise
Splatoon

(Nintendo)

no various `Splatoon (2015)

Splatoon 2 (2017)

Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion (2018)

Amiibo Figures, Music and other merchandise
StarCraft yes yes StarCraft (1998 and later expansions)
StarCraft II (2010 and later expansions)
tabletop games
Suikoden

(Konami)

yesyes Suikoden (1995)

several other sequels and spin-off

guide books and various merchandise
Star Fox

( Nintendo )

no various Star Fox (1993)

numerous sequels

Amiibo Figures, Web video and other merchandise
Thief

(Square Enix Europe)

noyes 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)

yesyes Watch Dogs (2014)

Watch Dogs 2 (2016)

Watch Dogs: Legion (2020)

Merchandise
Wolfenstein

(Id Software)

noyes Wolfenstein 3D (1992)

numerous sequels spin-offs and reboots

guide books and other merchandise
Zork

(Infocom)

yesno Zork (1977)

numerous sequels

interactive gamebooks

Franchises originating in board games, card games, tabletop games and role-playing games

Franchise
(creator)
LiteratureComicsAnimated filmsLive action filmsAnimated TV seriesLive action TV seriesVideo gamesOther media
BattleTech
(Jordan Weisman, L. Ross Babcock III)
List of BattleTech novels yes nono BattleTech: The Animated Series (1994)noyes Classic BattleTech wargame
several other table-top games
Car Wars
(Steve Jackson Games)
3 novelsyesnononono Autoduel Car Wars table-top game
other table-top games
Cyberpunk

(Mike Pondsmith)

List of Cyberpunk novels Cyberpunk 2077: Trauma Team (2020)nono 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)
yesyesnononono King of Dragon Pass White Bear and Red Moon
RuneQuest
HeroQuest
Magic: The Gathering
(Richard Garfield)
severalseveralnonononoseveralMagic: The Gathering trading card game
Mutant Chronicles
(Target Games)
3 novelsyesno Mutant Chronicles (2008)nono Doom Troopers (1995)Mutant Chronicles role-playing game
several table-top games
Shadowrun
(FASA Corporation)
several nonononono 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)nonono Warhammer video games Warhammer Fantasy Battle miniature wargame
several other table-top games
World of Darkness (White Wolf Publishing)severalyesnonono 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)
LiteratureComicsAnimated filmsLive action filmsAnimated TV seriesLive action TV seriesVideo gamesToys, attractions and other media
Alvin and the Chipmunks
(Ross Bagdasarian)
noyes 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)
noyes" 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 noupcomingnonoyes Albums by Coheed and Cambria
American Girl
(Pleasant Rowland)
numerousnono several nono several American Girl dolls
Barbie
(Ruth Handler)
numerousyes 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)
noBanG 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)
severalno several direct to video Bratz: The Movie (2007) Bratz (2005–2006) Bratz Design Academy (2008) several Bratz fashion dolls
Captain Sabertooth
(Terje Formoe)
numerousseveralyes The Dream of Captain Sabertooth's Kingdom and several othersnoyes several | Captain Sabertooth Stage plays
Care Bears
(Elena Kucharik, Linda Denham)
several yes severalnoseveralno 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: The Rise of Cobra (2009)
G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013)
Various productions, beginning with G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (1985–1987)no 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 nonono 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 numerousno House of Payne no I Can Do Bad All by Myself (1999)
Numerous other stage plays
My Little Pony
(Hasbro)
yesyes 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)
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)
noyesMy Little Pony (toy line)
The Odd Couple
(Neil Simon)
nonono 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)yesPatlabor: 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
nono Pirates of the Caribbean (film series) (2003–2017)nono List of Pirates of the Caribbean video games Disney theme park ride , beginning in 1967
Strawberry Shortcake
(Muriel Fahrion)
yesyesseveralnoseveralno 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 seriesno List of Transformers video games Transformers (toy line)

See also

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References

  1. 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".
  2. 1 2 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.
  3. 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".