Skybound's Ambitious Video Game Plans: Bringing Iconic Comics to Life

Skybound, the entertainment company behind the acclaimed The Walking Dead franchise, is making waves in the video game industry. In an exclusive interview with Skybound's CEO David Alpert and co-founder Jon Goldman, we delve into the company's ambitious plans to expand its presence in the gaming space, including the potential development of a high-profile Invincible game.

Unlocking the Potential of Iconic IP

Skybound has long been recognized for its success in the television and comic book realms, with The Walking Dead and Invincible being two of its most prominent properties. However, the company's foray into the video game industry has been met with mixed results, despite the critical acclaim of titles like The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners.

Leveraging Existing Franchises

Skybound's video game strategy appears to be shifting gears, as the company has been actively recruiting top talent from the industry's leading studios, including Activision Blizzard and EA. This influx of experienced game developers suggests that Skybound is poised to take a more aggressive approach to video game development, leveraging its existing intellectual property (IP) to create high-profile, triple-A titles.

Tackling the Challenges of Superhero Games

One of the key challenges facing Skybound in the video game space is the inherent difficulty of adapting superhero stories, such as Invincible, into engaging gameplay experiences. The immense power and abilities of these characters can often make them difficult to translate into compelling game mechanics. However, Skybound's leadership seems confident in their ability to overcome these obstacles, hinting at the potential inclusion of "a race of super-strong people that Mark struggles to fight" in a hypothetical Invincible game.

Expanding the Skybound Universe

Skybound's recent release of Invincible Presents: Atom Eve, a visual novel set in the Invincible universe, suggests that the company is exploring various ways to expand its IP beyond the traditional comic book and television formats. This diversification of content could pave the way for more ambitious video game projects, allowing Skybound to fully capitalize on the rich narratives and characters that have made its properties so popular.

Embracing the Triple-A Opportunity

The hiring of high-profile industry veterans, such as Kaleb Ruel, Chris Paulson, and Jeff Chaiken, indicates that Skybound is serious about making a significant impact in the triple-A video game market. These experienced professionals bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise that could help Skybound navigate the complexities of large-scale game development and marketing, potentially leading to the creation of a highly anticipated Invincible game or other ambitious projects.

Harnessing the Power of Fandom

Skybound's success with The Walking Dead has demonstrated the company's ability to cultivate and engage with passionate fan communities. This understanding of fan engagement could be a valuable asset as Skybound expands its video game offerings, allowing the company to create experiences that resonate deeply with its existing audience while also attracting new players drawn to the company's iconic IP.

Embracing the Future of Gaming

As the video game industry continues to evolve, Skybound's willingness to explore new platforms and technologies, such as virtual reality, suggests a forward-thinking approach that could pay dividends in the long run. By staying ahead of the curve and adapting to the changing landscape of the gaming industry, Skybound may be able to position itself as a leader in the space, delivering innovative and immersive experiences that captivate both longtime fans and newcomers alike.