Wade Radomske’s Post

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Business Development @ NBCUniversal Games team working on IP Licensing. Formerly Esports.

With #Gamescom in full swing and a few IP games being featured (Indiana Jones, Dune, Marvel Rivals etc) I wanted to share some thoughts on 🎬 IP and Games 🕹 We all know how powerful familiar characters, rich worlds, and established narratives can be in drawing players in. But I believe IP in games shouldn’t just be about rehashing what’s already been done—it should be about creating new stories that expand these universes in fresh, innovative ways. Games have a unique ability to tell stories that wouldn’t be possible in a movie, TV show, or book. They let us explore uncharted territories, dive into the minds of side characters, and make choices that directly influence the narrative. This kind of interactivity is something only games can offer, and it’s an incredible tool for storytelling. But for this to happen, IP holders need to be willing to grant more creative freedom and flexibility. By trusting developers to explore these worlds in new ways, we could see a wave of innovative games that both honor and expand upon the original material. Here’s where it gets exciting: Imagine if small, agile teams (Indie, III, AA, or whatever you want to call it)—those creative risk-takers who aren’t afraid to push boundaries—were given the opportunity to tap into existing IPs. 1️⃣ Built-In Audience: Existing IP gives these developers a solid foundation of fans who are already invested in the characters and stories. That can seriously reduce the marketing challenges often faced and provide a baseline for success. 2️⃣ Creative Freedom: These teams thrive on innovation. Give them the right IP and the freedom to experiment, and they’ll push boundaries, creating experiences that are fresh and unexpected—turning what could have been a simple spin-off into something entirely new and exciting. 3️⃣ Why Smaller Teams Could Shine: Their agility allows them to explore creative ideas that might be more challenging to pursue within the larger scale and scope of AAA production. This doesn’t mean one approach is better than the other—rather, it highlights how these teams can complement the broader industry by offering fresh, innovative takes on beloved IPs. Smaller games can breathe new life into IP by exploring niche audiences and taking creative risks, ultimately delivering experiences that resonate deeply with players. Now, I get it—individual revenues might be lower for a smaller adaptation than for a AAA blockbuster. But here’s the thing: games have the power to tell new stories that could be adapted back into traditional media, like movies, TV shows, or books. This creates a cycle where innovation in gaming feeds back into the larger IP universe. What do you think? Could IP and smaller teams work together? #IPinGames #GameDevelopment #Innovation #Storytelling #GamingIndustry

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle may have what an Indy game needs

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle may have what an Indy game needs

polygon.com

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