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Are themed video games more profitable than non-themed ones?

Juliet Lincke

Hey mate!

Thanks for asking such an interesting question. As an avid gamer and a user of various social media platforms, I would like to share my take on the profitability of themed vs non-themed video games.

First and foremost, the success of a video game primarily depends upon its gameplay, controls, graphics, and storyline. However, a well-executed theme can add an extra layer of appeal and engagement for the players. A theme can range from a popular movie or TV series to a sports event or a historical event. Such themes can draw the attention of the fans of the respective domain, thereby increasing the game's visibility and sales. For instance, FIFA (soccer/football) or NBA (basketball) video games have a fan base that is already interested in the sports and thus these games capitalize on the popularity of these sports and its followers.

At the same time, a theme-focused game may also narrow down its potential audience based on the interest of the theme. If the theme is not well executed or lacks appeal, then it may result in reduced sales or market value. For example, games based on movies or TV series that receive negative feedback may lead to a dip in sales, even with a well-established fan base.

On the other hand, non-themed games have the potential to gather a broader audience spectrum as they are not limited by a particular domain. These can include platform games, first-person shooters, puzzles, adventure games and so on. Non-themed games can be played by anyone willing to have fun, regardless of their interests. Therefore, such games may have a higher potential for financial returns, as they cater to a wider audience. In addition, non-themed games are also less likely to be affected by individual preferences since their appeal is determined solely by the game's mechanics, aesthetics and gameplay.

Moreover, the market price of a game is another factor that can heavily influence its profitability. In general, a non-themed game can be priced higher than a themed game, since the former is more versatile and can gather a wider fan base. Because of this versatility, a non-themed game may be developed further with additional features or difficulty levels that can attract a newer audience as well.

In conclusion, while it is true that a well-designed theme can boost the popularity of a video game among fans of that respective domain, it does not necessarily translate to increased profitability. Non-themed games have the potential to appeal to a wider audience, and with the right pricing strategy, they can achieve greater financial returns. Nonetheless, as with any product, a successful game requires quality execution and innovation in gameplay, graphics, and storyline, regardless of its theme.

Hope this helps!

Best regards,
[Your name]