Cross Media Success

It has been fascinating to follow the development of cross media or cross platform content. We have old comics that have turned into movies and games. Game characters are turning into consumer brands that can advertise almost anything. UbiSoft happily announced their latest cross-media victory as Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell climbed to the New York Times bestseller list.

What does it really take to achieve this kind of success? Simple answer like good quality content is hardly an adequate answer. Anyway, don’t come looking answers from here, because if I knew how to make it, I would be in action already.

From game developer’s stand point the situation is increasingly difficult. Production costs are skyrocketing but the money just guarantees good graphics and sounds. Game play and the drive will be valued by the buyers and that is scary situation for developer, not even the money can guarantee the success. I will all turn into mathematics, certain average amount of games will make it and certain amount won’t. Only big will survive and the development has already started. Electronic Arts are bolstering their status by acquiring smaller companies. Other companies try to catch up, but can’t match the financial resources of Electronic Arts. We will follow, how far EA’s money suffices.