On Tuesday, Devolver Digital announced the launch of a new publishing label, Big Fan Games, which aims to empower indie studios to develop licensed games. The label has already secured partnerships with major names like Disney, Dark Horse Comics, Rebellion, Lionsgate, HBO, and others.
Devolver has previously been involved in creating video game adaptations based on various media properties, including titles like Reigns: Game of Thrones, John Wick Hex, and Hellboy Web of Wyrd. Big Fan Games will build on this legacy, ensuring that indie developers maintain creative control.
“The essence of Big Fan is reflected in games like John Wick Hex and Reigns: Game of Thrones—fresh interpretations of beloved franchises led by talented developers. Those titles are exceptional,” Devolver stated in a recent post on X (formerly Twitter). “Let’s create more.”
Though Big Fan Games has yet to unveil its upcoming titles, the established partnerships suggest that fans can look forward to exciting releases based on well-known intellectual properties.
Hello, we’re Big Fan. A new label from Devolver Digital.
We’re publishing video game adaptations of our favorite movies, shows, comics, and more—all while collaborating with some of the most talented indie developers in the industry.https://t.co/rCHITOZipe pic.twitter.com/E3OzbKiQl0
— Big Fan Games (@BigFanPresents) October 1, 2024
The landscape of licensed video games has a complicated history. For every critically acclaimed title like Goldeneye or Telltale’s The Walking Dead, there’s a poorly received game like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial for Atari, Skull Island: Rise of Kong, or The Lord of the Rings: Gollum. Although many recall the naff platformers of the ’90s when thinking of licensed games, some have managed to carve out their own identity and achieve greatness.
We’re witnessing a resurgence in licensed titles, largely fueled by the success of the Lego brand in games like Fortnite and soon-to-launch projects like Lego Horizon Adventures. Moreover, Fortnite has normalized pop culture crossovers, integrating licensed properties into existing games such as PUBG: Battlegrounds and the Call of Duty series.
“We firmly believe (and have observed) that exceptional games that elevate existing franchises can create a unique bond with fans that only interactive experiences can provide,” a representative for Big Fan said in a press release. “Indie games set in these universes can explore them in innovative and unexpected ways, and our goal is to raise the standard of what fans can anticipate.”
When asked about the genres they plan to explore, the Big Fan X account responded by stating, “The genre is irrelevant. Our primary goal is to create high-quality video game adaptations that do justice to their source material.”
Throughout this year, Devolver has released numerous acclaimed indie titles, including The Plucky Squire, Pepper Grinder, The Crush House, and many more.
