The Enduring Influence of Video Game Adaptations: Fanfiction and Its Impact
From 1970 when I first embarked on my gaming journey, to the digital age where I studied fanfiction as part of my university research, and through the 1990s where I indulged in internet fanfiction, the allure of video game adaptations has consistently captured the imagination of fans and creators alike.
From Early Gamer to University Scholar
For me, the fascination with Sonic the Hedgehog began in 1995, when it resonated with millions of fans worldwide. With over 1 billion fanfictions currently available, even after accounting for bot deletions, this genre has undoubtedly held a significant place in the digital landscape. My 40-year research journey has highlighted the profound impact of fanfiction on our collective storytelling and imaginative pursuits.
From Classic to Classics
Castlevania, starting from its debut in 1986 on PC, has always been a standout in the gaming realm. Fans have voraciously sought out lore and unofficial fanfiction, with an online community that thrived well into the 1990s and beyond. My online presence from 1993 to 2023 ensured that I could partake in and follow the ever-evolving narratives of these beloved franchises.
The Netflix Phenomenon: Virtual Erasure, Real Impact
Netflix has become a giant in the streaming industry, leveraging the potency of fanfiction but often at the expense of its creators. The Writers' Strike highlighted the stark reality: with over 50 deleted old Gen Z posts being prominently taken down, it became evident that even with the vast repository of stories, the original voices were being silenced.
A case study involving franchises such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Castlevania, Twisted Metal, Cars, Alien, Fallout, Star Wars, Miku, and Monster High reveals the extent to which these streaming platforms can dictate what remains and what is lost. The transformation of early Microsoft games like Wasteland to the sprawling worlds of Fallout, each adaptation has not only brought new dimensions to the story but has also influenced the way video games are adapted into other mediums.
Legal and Technological Shifts
The legal and technological landscape has significantly evolved over the past decades. The rise of fanfiction on the internet, particularly platforms like 4chan, has seen a myriad of original stories and creative expressions. However, corporate practices such as Amazon and Netflix deploying bots to remove and steal fanfiction content have led to the deletion of entire generations of stories over the past few years.
Despite these deletions, some fanfiction content remains online, thanks to the rapid generational change and the recognition of the emotional and creative value of these stories. The introduction of CGI and 5G resolution technologies has fundamentally changed how these adaptations are created and delivered, providing a new dimension to the visual and narrative experiences.
Conclusion
The enduring influence of video game adaptations and the role of fanfiction cannot be overstated. From the early days of gaming to the modern streaming era, the magic of storytelling through these mediums continues to captivate and inspire. It is a story of both triumph and loss, where the lines between creator and consumer blur, and the rights and recognition of the original storytellers are often at stake.