Sunday, 8 Sep 2024

12 Fictional Games Cooked Up For TV, Film, And Print

Imagining a game allows creators to bypass physical limitations, coding skills, and time commitments. Fake games have become a common trope in TV shows, movies, and print, tapping into nostalgia, parody, and satire. These fictional games may not exist in reality, but they manage to ignite fans’ imaginations. Let’s dive into some of the best dreamt-up creations that have made their way onto our screens and pages.

Bonestorm

In the world of The Simpsons, numerous fictional games have been introduced over the years. One such game is Bonestorm, an over-the-top fighting game that parodies Mortal Kombat. Bart becomes determined to play the game and even resorts to theft to get his hands on it. While Bonestorm was never made into a real game, it did inspire fictional sequels and was referenced in the real-world video game The Simpsons: Hit and Run.

Burgerboss

The popular adult cartoon Bob’s Burgers took inspiration from the real-life arcade game BurgerTime when creating Burgerboss. In this 2D side-scroller, players use a large spatula to attack and avoid threatening condiments. The arcade game was meant to bring in additional money for the eatery in the show, but it instead entices Bob’s rival, Jimmy Pesto, to play and beat the high score. Burgerboss even inspired a fan recreation that can be played on HTML5-compatible web browsers.

The Game

In an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation titled “The Game,” the crew of the Starship Enterprise becomes ensnared by a mysterious alien game that triggers the brain’s pleasure center. Wesley Crusher, with the help of the ship’s android Data, saves the day by disrupting the mind control. This episode delves into the dangers of becoming entranced by a game and losing oneself in it.

Roy: A Life Well Lived

In an episode of Rick and Morty titled “Mortynight Run,” Morty experiences an entire virtual life in a game called Roy. Upon exiting the game, Morty finds Rick casually analyzing his life stats. This episode parodies the gaming industry’s constant struggle to create immersive experiences that mimic reality, taking inspiration from movies like The Truman Show.

World of Hackcraft

World of Hackcraft is a fake MMORPG based on the equally fake table-top parody, HackMaster. It is featured in the comic strip Knights of the Dinner Table and offers clever insights into gaming tropes and problematic behavior in the gaming community. Interestingly, the comic strip publishers also produced several real-world versions of HackMaster, showcasing its verisimilitude.

OASIS

Recently featured in the movie Ready Player One, the OASIS is a fully immersive virtual reality universe where people escape from the dismal state of the real world. The OASIS grants players the freedom to be anyone and explore any environment they desire. Although a real-life OASIS may never be built, Vive Studios and virtual reality developers adapted some of the experiences from Ready Player One into VR to promote the film.

Fix-It Felix Jr.

The fictional Fix-It Felix Jr. arcade game, featured in the movie Wreck-It Ralph, evokes the early days of gaming, reminiscent of Donkey Kong. Players control Felix as he repairs a building while his nemesis, Wreck-It Ralph, tries to hinder his progress. To promote the film, Disney.com created a playable flash version of Fix-It Felix Jr., blurring the lines between fiction and reality.

Global Thermonuclear War

In the sci-fi movie WarGames, the protagonist accidentally hacks into a military simulation program, mistaking it for a text-based strategy video game called “Global Thermonuclear War.” The game triggers a series of events that nearly start World War III. This fictional game showcases the power of gaming and how it can have unintended real-world consequences.

Jumanji

Originally conceived as a board game, Jumanji received a digital adaptation in the movie Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. When a group of high school students starts playing the game, they get trapped within its virtual world and must win or face dire consequences. This adaptation highlights the immersive nature of games and the excitement and challenges they can bring.

Space Paranoids

Integral to the plot of the 1982 film Tron, Space Paranoids is a retro first-person shooter where programmer Kevin Flynn’s stolen code plays a significant role. In 2009, a playable version of the game was created for the San Diego Comic Con, adding an extra layer of interactivity to the Tron franchise.

Starfighter

In The Last Starfighter, aliens recruit skilled pilots from across the galaxy using an arcade game. Teenager Alex Rogan, with his video game skills, is chosen to pilot a real spacecraft in a pivotal battle for the galaxy. This fictional game highlights the power of gaming as a recruitment tool.

Wrestle Jam ’88

Custom-made for the film The Wrestler, Wrestle Jam ’88 is a game that reflects the irrelevance of both the game itself and the struggling wrestler Randy ‘The Ram’ Robinson. In one poignant scene, Randy plays against a kid more interested in playing the latest Call of Duty, emphasizing the fleeting nature of fame and relevance.

This brief journey through fictional games demonstrates the limitless creativity that can emerge from the realm of imagination. While these games may not exist in reality, they have left an indelible mark on popular culture and the hearts of fans worldwide.

FAQs

Q: Are any of these fictional games available to play?
A: Some fictional games, like Burgerboss and Fix-It Felix Jr., have inspired fan recreations that can be played on compatible web browsers. However, most of them remain confined to the realms of TV, film, and print.

Q: Do any fictional games inspire real-world adaptations?
A: Yes, in some cases, fictional games have inspired real-world adaptations or references. For example, Bonestorm was referenced in the game The Simpsons: Hit and Run, and Fix-It Felix Jr. was made into a playable flash game to promote the movie Wreck-It Ralph.

Conclusion

Fictional games have become a beloved part of our entertainment landscape. They allow us to explore worlds and experiences that push the boundaries of our imaginations. While these games may never exist in reality, they continue to captivate fans and inspire creativity in various forms of media. So let your imagination run wild and embrace the joy and wonder of these fantastical creations.

Visit the official website of Wqaindia to explore more fascinating articles and insights into the world of gaming. Happy gaming!