The increasingly connected nature of modern media has changed the worlds of film, literature and gaming forever. More specifically, it has enabled multi-platform experiences for the masses, while also making it easier than ever to translate popular characters and concepts across various channels.
No modern day franchise reflects this better than the popular Game of Thrones, which has evolved from a series of novels into a global, multi-media concern. With the fifth season set to premier on Sky Atlantic in April, this is also a franchise that is likely to grow further in the years to come.
A Global Franchise: Understanding its Popularity
Ahead of the highly-anticipated fifth season, producers have also taken the unique step of screening a world premiere in London on March 18th. This is a full three weeks before the series is aired in the U.S., and it represents another method of monetising the franchise and generating income from a devoted fan base. With the premiere set to be played out against the back-drop of the iconic and fitting Tower of London, fans will also be given a taste of what they can expect from the forthcoming season.
This offers an insight into the popularity of the franchise, and with a sixth season already commissioned by HBO this is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. It is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the franchise as a whole, however, with supporting literature, merchandise and gaming experiences also driving huge awareness and revenues. Not only is the entire television series based on a series of explosive adventure novels, for example, but the franchise has also spawned a number of console-inspired and slot machine games (such as http://games.williamhill.com/#!/rules/game-of-thrones-15-lines).
In many ways, the age of connected-media has benefited both producers and fans of entertainment alike. While the former group can monetise their ideas and develop revenues from multiple media platforms, for example, popular concepts such as books, television shows and comic book icons have also become more accessible to a global army of fans.
Originally published February 22, 2015. Updated February 5, 2019.
