What alternate media would you like to see your game's world explored from?

[XIIIthHarbinger]

Hello gentle peoples of the interwebs, I have questions for you all.

As you may have surmised from the title, I am curious to see what you think about the potential of your own games crossing over into other media. It could be a game you've already completed, the game you are currently working on, even a hypothetical project on your own metaphorical drawing board.

However, I am not asking what alternate media format YOU would think about translating it into, but rather allowing SOMEONE ELSE to do so (gasp of horror). An EU to your IP for all intents & purposes.

So my questions for all of you, are as follows.

1) Would you ever allow someone else to "play with your toys"? Why or why not?

2) If so would you prefer they translate your story into another media to bring it to a wider audience, or instead create original stories within the world you created? & why?

3) What media format would you most like to see your story or world translated into? & why?

4) How much creative control would you want to exercise in that translation? & why?

5) Would you separate the canons, or try to maintain a cohesive IP universe canon? & why?

 

[bgillisp]

Personally, IF someone actually wanted to make something based on my game and/or game world, as long as they get my permission first I'm fine with it. And the reasons I ask for permission is first, there is a canon storyline to it that I want to make sure is still followed, and secondly, I want to make sure it isn't a completely trashy game which ruins the IP.

As for what they make out if it, my only restriction is no adults only material. R rated is fine, but nothing that would get an AO rating is allowed.

 

[XIIIthHarbinger]

As for what they make out if it, my only restriction is no adults only material. R rated is fine, but nothing that would get an AO rating is allowed.

Which is ironic, considering even the major companies can't stop the creation of countless hentai parodies of their IPs.

There are no exceptions to Rule 34.

 

[bgillisp]

Oh, egad yes. I still remember finding some of those when I was younger and looking for Quest for Glory fan games. I wish I could unsee some of that.

True, but then they wouldn't have my permission and I could C and D them and get it taken down. Now granted, could I find all of those? Probably not. But still they would be working without permission in that case.

 

[JtheDuelist]

As much as I would love to see Downfall FES be translated into a manga or anime, I'd rather let it follow the canon I had set for it.

 

[atoms]

I really wouldn't mind, as long as they follow the same rules bgillisp already mentioned.

No adult rating it, nothing that ruins the original games reputation (but, in case the game itself was bad of course they can improve upon it!), make sure it fits and follows the game at least to some extent.

That's all I can think of at the moment.

 

[TheoAllen]

Oh, no! No multiple choices. I'd go either anime animation or manga comic (or both).
The realistic approach would be novel, but image presentation sells better. I'm always imagining the story I'm writing as an animated TV series, or comic.

1) Would you ever allow someone else to "play with your toys"? Why or why not?

I welcome any sort of doujin, a headcanon, a fanmade stuff, or even r34, as long as they keep it that way. But I decide which one that actually goes canon.

2) If so would you prefer they translate your story into another media to bring it to a wider audience, or instead create original stories within the world you created? & why?

Either could work, but I prefer if someone created an original story from the world I made. I mean, sure that might give me some idea

3) What media format would you most like to see your story or world translated into? & why?

Anything could work tbh. I might think twice if it's going to be a TV series / movie. bcz lot of stuff.

4) How much creative control would you want to exercise in that translation? & why?

Having to work with my big brother, I provide the world building, and he could do anything with it. But if he want to insert something grand, I'd like to see it first. Minor isn't a concern. That would be the same if someone gonna translate my work in other media I guess.

5) Would you separate the canons, or try to maintain a cohesive IP universe canon? & why?

I'm not sure if I get this question. Are you saying like multi-verse of DC series?
If so, I'm trying with both approach. A cohesive IP universe is kinda restricting me on inserting stuff. So, I also tried to make 'multi-verse' in different IP I'm making.

 

[Ryisunique]

I like two of those choices.

1) With permission and cooperation, yeah. I have no problem with that. As long as I can still work on the games and am not blocked, I'm okay with that.

2) A lot of it would have to be original. There would be stories that don't play well in games and the those that would be better in game format. I would play with both.

3) Heh. I originally envisioned Curious Cases as a live YouTube series. Either that or comic/manga would be best. Something that could handle a procedural series of sorts, along with the Lovecraft imagiry, magic usage, etc.

4) I would like to keep a hand in it. Considering everyone's favorite idea to give a woman tragic backstory has to do with her private organs, I would like to keep two fingers around to pull people away from doing it again.

5) Probably try keep details the same. Not sure about story lines, but if the game is adapted onto the series, then, it wouldn't matter that much, would it?

 

[Vox Novus]

1. Yes, it would allow for more exposure that I might not get otherwise. It would be nice to have been asked for permission but as far as just a hobby project and someone wanting to do something with that; I'd certainly be less mindful. I wouldn't mind as much what it was used for in that case as well; although if it was something vastly against the material I made, I would disapprove.

2. I think an adaption would be preferable, keeping the same general story and characters and themes but making it fit their media or vision. I wouldn't be totally against the other scenario though.

3. I'd prefer (and voted for) Novel. I feel like that's the easiest media to adapt something to like a role playing game; the story is already there it might just need to be altered a bit or fleshed out a bit in other places. Its also a good way to adapt adventure games by turning them into choose your own adventure books.

4. Maybe just a general say to make sure its following the themes and world, characters, etc...Part of the adaptions means its in part someone else's vision so I wouldn't want to interfere with that aspect.

5. Probably keep it separate so that the alternate media (in my choice novel) be able to take liberties if necessary.

 

[consolcwby]

I chose novel, because unrealistically it could become a pulitzer prize winning thing in which I am forever known as having the "idea by".

I also chose novel, because realistically someone would make a 5 page fan fiction of it, get banned for it, and begin threats of random acts of violence against anyone livestreaming it which ultimately fails because of a "violent vidya gaem" ruined their life plea. I would then be known as being "more cancerous than 4chan" for the rest of my life.

Either way, I WIN!

 

[Archeia]

I think probably manga or anime. I saw some mangakas adapt some source material with their own flare and it's been really interesting like Maoyuu. Anime would be another one depending on the director. The FMA2003 Director, Seiji Mizushima, is one of my favorites and I like how he made it into a Seinen.

1) Would you ever allow someone else to "play with your toys"? Why or why not?

• Yes, as long as I get to read it first.

2) If so would you prefer they translate your story into another media to bring it to a wider audience, or instead create original stories within the world you created? & why?

• Probably within the world only. I didn't spend all that time world building only to be ignored. Kinda like how Urobutcher wrote Fate/Zero since Nasu can't make dark stories like him on the same level.

3) What media format would you most like to see your story or world translated into? & why?

• Anime or Manga. They both have some very medium specific artistic merits that I would love to see applied to my own works (If ever).

4) How much creative control would you want to exercise in that translation? & why?

• Probably 50%. Because as much as possible I want it to be consistent with the world's rules.

5) Would you separate the canons, or try to maintain a cohesive IP universe canon? & why?

• As long as it's true to the rules of the world, then I would consider it canon.

 

[slimmmeiske2]

1) Would you ever allow someone else to "play with your toys"? Why or why not?
I’d be super honored if someone thinks my IP is fun enough to play with; I’d also be absolutely terrified wondering what they’ll do to it. xD

2) If so would you prefer they translate your story into another media to bring it to a wider audience, or instead create original stories within the world you created? & why?
I’m fine with both. Though there’s more opportunity for creating original stories.

3) What media format would you most like to see your story or world translated into? & why?
Do you know those 5 minutes Youtube animation series for kids? I think something like that would be perfect, as my games are kid-friendly and a bit silly anyway.

4) How much creative control would you want to exercise in that translation? & why?
I’d prefer to be more of an advisor. I’d also like the ability to veto stuff.

5) Would you separate the canons, or try to maintain a cohesive IP universe canon? & why?
I’d try going for cohesive. Although I don’t want it to end up that you need to play/watch one to understand the other.

What about your answers @XIIIthHarbinger ?

 

[XIIIthHarbinger]

@slimmmeiske2 fair enough.

1) Would you ever allow someone else to "play with your toys"? Why or why not?

I would be rather circumspect in potentially turning over control of my world in any medium, to anyone.

However, potentially I would say yes, if I considered an idea interesting enough, & I was convinced that they wouldn't violate the themes & canon of the IP.


2) If so would you prefer they translate your story into another media to bring it to a wider audience, or instead create original stories within the world you created? & why?

I would very much prefer they expand the IPs lore by creating new stories.

I am not much of a fan of reboots, remakes, & reimaginings. I've been building up lore for an ENTIRE WORLD for a game that takes place on a single island. Trying to write up a timeline that covers millenia, for events that take place over potentially about a year in game time. If they came to me & said "Can't we just remake the story of your game into a different medium?"; I would tell them get bent & come back when they had some creativity.


3) What media format would you most like to see your story or world translated into? & why?

I would probably choose an animated show, as the games art style would translate well into anime/animation; & I think potentially exploring multiple characters respective journeys in my game's world is better suited to that medium. With manga/comics a close second.


4) How much creative control would you want to exercise in that translation? & why?

I would want full creative control, which is why I know I would have to surrender it wholly to the creators working on their respective translation of medium.

I know how much of a control freak I am, & how inclined I am towards an attitude of "Just get out of my way, & I'll do it the right way myself!". So I would need to meet with them, give them all my "behind the scenes" notes & documents, that I am slowly building into my IP bible; & tell them "Here are the events that have happened off screen, here are the rules you can't break, here is the lore that hasn't been disclosed yet, here is my number if you have any questions, if I make any additions I'll send you copies, have fun." & then take a step back.

Because if I am in the room contributing on a daily basis, I know what's going to happen. Someone is going to put forward an idea I disagree with, I am going to argue, I like to win, & as the IP's creator I am probably going to win. & creative people don't like working with,


So I would need to take a step back, & let their team bring their story to life, within my world; & just accept that they will make some decisions differently than I would. & repress the urge to,



5) Would you separate the canons, or try to maintain a cohesive IP universe canon? & why?

I would very much prefer a unified canon, rather akin to the Star Wars EU, before the plague rat sunk its teeth into it. As fans of the IP in more than one medium, could potentially seem common points of reference, event characters crossing paths, that sort of thing.

 

[ForestLogic]

It's always been my dream to create my own cartoon. Having one based on my game with be a freaking dream come true

 

[kaukusaki]

I can do all that myself already (write novels create comics make anime roll some olde skool dice). :3
I'd be more shocked that A: I had fans who B: actually liked my goofy weirdness to C: want to doujin that into something even more left field than what it already was.
I'd be happy nonetheless ^_^

 

[gstv87]

my lore started as a short video, from where I planned to release an animated series, but the production got messy.
then I thought of introducing the universe through novels with the intent on building a fan base,.... but then Game of Thrones happened....
I had to settle with game, for the moment.

I'd love to have the original video series, as planned.... I don't like leaving things unfinished.

 

[trouble time]

I had a fan write a yaoi fanfic of a game i made a looong time ago. The game was actually scrapped and has become my current main project, and both the dudes invovled were pushed to the background. Be careful what you wish for.

 

[Mystic_Enigma]

If it were possible, i'd want it to be an Anime, it would be right there with the Saturday Morning Cartoons, just as it should be!

 

[OnslaughtSupply]

I would say, no, unless I got to produce it or had a good amount of creative control. Movies of video games always are horrible with very few exceptions. Books on video games usually just expand lore and don't really convey the same experience. Could you imagine the original Super Mario bros as a best selling novel. "Mario positioned himself along the edge of a mushroom the size of a tree, ready to make the longest jump of his life, only to flanked by a flying snapping turtle with wings." That's just ridiculous. My games tend to be a little more on the mature side (not NSWF or anything, just the themes and what not have a more mature target audience). I could see a short comic book run but it would be more in the vain of the more 80s and 90s grittier side.

 

[bgillisp]

@OnslaughtSupply : Sadly there is probably a fan fic of Mario that reads exactly like that.

That does bring up a good point, not everything will be good in certain media. Can you imagine say a Pac-Man book? Or a movie based on Minesweeper? (Actually, college humor actually made a fake trailer for Minesweeper). So if we are not careful, we could get something like say this: