How Gaming and Anime are Taking Over the World

Jun 5

“Animation is not a genre – it’s a medium.” - Guillermo del Toro

In much the same way, anime is not merely Japanese animation, but a medium and a lifestyle unto itself. Today, anime and video games, both heavily influenced by Japanese culture, are taking the world by storm. But it's not just that they're both popular – they're becoming increasingly intertwined, creating a powerful force in global entertainment.

The Rise of the Power Trio

First, let's rewind a bit. The gaming boom of the late 20th century owes a huge debt to Japanese developers. Think Nintendo, the company that brought us iconic franchises like Mario, Pokémon, and The Legend of Zelda. These games weren't just fun; they introduced vibrant worlds and unforgettable characters that resonated with players worldwide.

Meanwhile, anime was quietly gaining a foothold in the West. From the early days of special time blocks on Western cartoon channels (Toonami, Jetix, Fox Kids) to modern streaming services like Crunchyroll and Funimation, it is easier than ever to access a vast library of shows. The sheer diversity of anime, from heart-pounding action adventures to tear-jerking dramas, shattered the stereotype of it being just for kids. Plus, anime's stunning visuals and unique storytelling techniques captivated audiences.

But here's the coolest part: anime and gaming aren't just existing in parallel universes. They're merging into a super-powered entertainment force.

Anime by the Numbers

According to a January 2024 survey conducted by Polygon:

42 percent of American Gen-Zers watch anime weekly, compared to just 25 percent of millennials and 12 percent of Gen X. That Gen Z number stands out not only because it shows anime’s ubiquity, but because of how it outpaces established juggernauts. For example, only 25% of Gen Z follows the NFL, according to YPulse.
Black Americans account for 17% of the anime fan audience over 18, compared to 13% of the general U.S. population, while Asian Americans account for 10% of the anime fan audience, compared to 6% of the general U.S. population. Those numbers go up when narrowing down to Gen Z, with 23% Black American fans compared to 14% of the general population, and 13% Asian American fans compared to 7% of the general population.
Almost two-thirds of the anime-watching Gen Z audience say they emotionally connect better with anime than they do with traditional media due to the types of storylines and characters present.

Points of Intersection: When Games and Anime Collide

This isn't just about characters from your favorite anime appearing as downloadable content in your favorite game (although that's pretty awesome too). Here are some ways these two giants are influencing each other:

Franchises that Bridge the Gap: Some of the most popular franchises in the world started in one medium and thrived in the other. Think Pokémon, a global phenomenon that started as a Game Boy game and exploded into a massive anime series, movies, and a merchandising empire. Final Fantasy, a behemoth of a role-playing game series, has spawned its own anime films and series. Dragon Ball, a classic shounen (action-oriented) anime, has countless video game adaptations. These franchises seamlessly move between mediums, showing the power of shared storytelling.
Shared Storytelling Techniques: Both anime and video games excel at world-building, creating immersive universes we can get lost in. Think about the sprawling landscapes of "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" or the meticulously crafted neo-Tokyo of "Akira." Character design is another key area of overlap. Anime's instantly recognizable characters, with their expressive eyes and flamboyant hairstyles, translate perfectly into the gaming world. Plus, both mediums emphasize emotional journeys, making us care deeply about the heroes and villains we encounter.
Cosplay Culture— Blurring the Lines: If you've ever been to a comic convention, you've probably seen cosplay (costume play) in action. Fans dress up as their favorite characters, and a significant portion of those costumes come from the worlds of anime and video games. This cosplay culture is a testament to the power of these mediums to inspire and create a sense of community.

The Biggest Brands are Taking Notice

In early 2024, global fast food giant McDonald’s leapt into a multi-platform, anime-style activation, leaning into the reoccurring anime trope of replacing the iconic McDonald’s “M” with a “W”. The WcDonald’s campaign, which included limited-edition menu offerings as well as a bespoke manga and an anime in partnership with legendary animation house Studio Pierrot.

“Anime is a huge part of today’s culture, and we love that our fans have been inviting us into the conversation for years,” Tariq Hassan, chief marketing and customer experience officer at McDonald’s U.S., said in a statement. “The WcDonald's universe is a reflection of what fans have created. It honors their vision and celebrates their creativity, while authentically bringing it to life in our restaurants for the first time ever.”

The Future is Bright

The future of gaming and anime looks incredibly bright. As technology advances, we can expect even more immersive experiences, with stunning visuals and deeper storylines that push the boundaries of storytelling. This cultural exchange between Japan and the West is fostering creativity and innovation, and who knows, maybe one day that line between gaming and anime will disappear altogether.

So, the next time you boot up your console or settle in for an anime marathon, remember – you're not just playing a game or watching a show. You're experiencing a cultural phenomenon that's changing the world of entertainment.

For more examples of how gaming and anime flawlessly intertwine, take a look at our 101 Biggest Gaming Brand Activations of 2023 resource.

Ready to get started on your own cutting-edge gaming campaign? Partner with Player 2, an award-winning team of experts in the field.

gaminganimeculture

Guest User