A recent report indicates that television adaptations of video games lead to an average 140% increase in player numbers
New insights from Ampere Analysis indicate that television adaptations of video games are linked to an average player base increase of nearly 140%. These adaptations reportedly have a more pronounced impact on franchises compared to movie versions.
The UK-based analytics firm disclosed on September 16, 2025, that games typically see an average player increase of 203% following a TV show release. In contrast, the growth following film adaptations averages at 48%.
Significant examples of this trend include Amazon Prime's adaptation of Fallout and HBO's The Last of Us, which have substantially boosted their respective franchises. The Fallout series, which premiered in April 2024, attracted 100 million viewers globally within six months and resulted in a 490% rise in its monthly active players, 80% of whom were new to the series.
By comparison, updates to Fallout 76 in June and December only enhanced the number of active users by 17% on average. Sensor Tower's May report highlighted a 225% increase in daily users for Fallout 3 and 4 after the show's debut, while Fallout Shelter's numbers rose by 77%.
Sales figures followed a similar upward trajectory. Fallout 3 recorded a 125% increase, while Fallout 4 surged by 410%, and in-app spending for Fallout Shelter grew by 150%. The Fallout TV series is set to return for a second season in December.
The Last of Us has similarly benefited, with its January 2023 HBO series launch drawing 4.7 million viewers. The series contributed to a 150% rise in player engagement over its two seasons.
"Media adaptations are superchargers for the player bases of gaming franchises."Ricardo Parsons, Ampere Analysis
The remastered release of The Last of Us Part 2 for PS5 in January 2024, and including The Last of Us Part 1 in the PS Plus catalog, resulted in player boosts of 70% and 29%, respectively. Remarkably, 20% of this player base was retained 180 days post-peak engagement.
The Last of Us TV series, which increased daily active users by 40% following the second season in April 2025, has been renewed for a third season, although Neil Druckmann is stepping down as co-showrunner to focus on other projects, while remaining involved in the series.
Even lesser-known titles like Netflix's Devil May Cry series, which launched in April 2025, saw a 358% rise in player numbers shortly after its release. Additionally, franchises such as Minecraft continue to expand with adaptations contributing to a 30% increase in monthly users with the release of A Minecraft Movie in April 2025, involving 54% returning players.
Ricardo Parsons, a representative from Ampere Analysis, emphasized the significance of such adaptations, explaining their ability to attract diverse audiences and offer substantial benefits to game publishers and studios by reaching beyond traditional gaming communities. This trend is expected to gain momentum with planned adaptations for games like Call of Duty and Life is Strange.