Transmedia Storytelling
Ongoing coverage on Transmedia Storytelling.
Latest coverage
Cyberpunk 2077 lead wanted the 2.5 update to be "more meaningful" than what CD Projekt Red did last time for…
Paweł Sasko, associate director for Cyberpunk 2077, stated that update 2.5 was intended to be a more meaningful addition than the previous update tied to the first season of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. The update, released alongside the Edgerunners 2 debut, aimed to create a consistent universe by integrating game and anime narratives, including a new quest that serves as a prequel to the show. This focus on cohesive storytelling has contributed to Cyberpunk 2077's highest Steam player count in three years.
Disney president and CCO dismisses rumours of Epic Games buyout: "Those are not the conversations we are having right now"
Disney president and CCO Dana Walden has dismissed rumors of an Epic Games buyout, stating that the companies are focused on their existing partnership and upcoming collaborative content. Following Disney's $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games, both companies are working on integrating Disney franchises into Fortnite and other gaming experiences.
thatgamecompany Unveils New Collectible 245-Page Art Book Celebrating Sky: Children of the Light
thatgamecompany has announced a new 245-page art book, "The Art of Sky: Gratitude To Nesting (2019-2024)," celebrating the first five years of Sky: Children of the Light. The book features unreleased illustrations, developer commentary, and dives into the creation of major in-game seasons and events. It is available for pre-order and will be released in Summer 2026, with each copy including a special chip to unlock in-game content.
Transmedia Collaboration with Metal Band ERRA and Animation Powerhouse THE LINE Reveals the Next Narrative Chapter of Warframe – Jade Shadows: Constellations
Digital Extremes, in collaboration with metal band ERRA and animation studio THE LINE, has revealed "Jade Shadows: Constellations," a new narrative chapter for Warframe. Directed by Louve Sarfati Karnas and Warframe Creative Director Rebecca Ford, the anime-inspired short follows rivals from two future timelines in a cosmic battle. The chapter is set to launch for free on all platforms in June, with additional details on new quests, Protoframes for Ash and Garuda, and a reworked clan event revealed.
SEGA launches SEGA Universe designed to revive its older IP beyond games
SEGA has launched SEGA Universe, an initiative to revive its classic intellectual properties beyond video games. This expansion will encompass film, music, fashion, and other entertainment forms, featuring beloved titles like Fantasy Zone, Outrun, and Streets of Rage. The project aims to connect with new generations while preserving the memories of older fans.
How have things been going at Rovio since it was bought by Sega?
Rovio's creative officer Ben Mattes discusses the company's integration into Sega following its acquisition in 2023. Despite a significant financial writedown by Sega, Mattes emphasizes Rovio's value as a mobile-first, transmedia company aiming to elevate the Angry Birds IP to the same level as Sega's Sonic franchise. Collaboration between the companies is ongoing, with examples like Angry Birds characters appearing in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds.
Former Head of Xbox Film/TV Kiki Wolfkill Has Left Microsoft After 28 Years
Kiki Wolfkill has departed Microsoft after 28 years, having worked on games like Forza, Mass Effect, and Fable, and served as executive producer on Halo 4. She also contributed to transmedia projects such as the Halo TV show, a Minecraft movie, and Amazon's Fallout TV series. Wolfkill expressed gratitude for her career at Microsoft and excitement for future endeavors.
"You can't buy a BAFTA." Why commercial influence is a red line for the BAFTA Games Awards
BAFTA CEO Jane Millichip discussed the new headline sponsorship of the BAFTA Games Awards by Google Play, emphasizing that revenue is crucial for delivering the ceremony while maintaining editorial independence and a peer-voted judging process free from commercial influence. The conversation also touched upon BAFTA's efforts to increase representation within the games industry, particularly for women in technical roles, and the growing interest in transmedia adaptations of video game IP.
Mascot Horror Game Dark Pals: The 1st Floor Announces 1 May Steam Launch Date
Skunx Games announced that its mascot horror game, Dark Pals: The 1st Floor, will launch on PC via Steam on May 1, 2026. The game features psychological horror elements set in an abandoned children's asylum and incorporates transmedia storytelling through YouTube content. This title is the first in a planned series.
iwot studios Partners with Initiate Entertainment to Expand The Wheel of Time
iwot studios and Initiate Entertainment have formed a production partnership to expand The Wheel of Time universe across multiple platforms. Led by producer Thomas Vu, the collaboration will develop new projects including a video game, animated films, and a TV series, building on the existing development slate.
Starbreeze lands new partner to adapt Payday series for film and TV
Starbreeze Entertainment has partnered with VICE Studios to develop film and television adaptations of its Payday series, aiming to expand the franchise into new entertainment formats. CEO Adolf Kristjansson stated the goal is to grow Payday into a full entertainment platform. This announcement comes as Payday 3 has underperformed expectations since its September 2023 launch, while Payday 2 continues to perform well.
"We will support Dead by Daylight as long as we can" – How Behaviour evolved the horror hit into a live-service success
Behaviour Interactive's Dave Richards and Mathieu Cote discuss the decade-long success of Dead by Daylight, evolving it into a live-service hit that has sold over 60 million copies. They highlight how work-for-hire projects provide financial stability, allowing them to take risks and invest in the horror title's continued development and expansion into transmedia.
Assassin’s Creed Unity Gets 60FPS Upgrade as Ubisoft Unveils Ambitious 2026 Narrative Expansion
Ubisoft has announced a significant expansion of the Assassin's Creed narrative universe planned for 2026, alongside a 60FPS upgrade for Assassin's Creed Unity on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The upcoming projects include Assassin's Creed Invictus for PvP, the dark single-player experience Assassin's Creed Hexe, a pirate-themed game, and Assassin's Creed Jade with co-op gameplay. A Netflix collaboration is also planned, aiming for a transmedia approach to the franchise.
