Video Games That Outshined Their Originals: The Stories Behind Their Success

The video game industry is rife with creativity, innovation, and sometimes, a bit of imitation. While originality is often celebrated, there are instances where a game inspired by or closely resembling another outperforms its predecessor. Here are a few notable examples of video games that were copied but ended up earning more than the originals, and the reasons behind their success.



  1. Dota 2 vs. Dota (Defense of the Ancients)

Original: Defense of the Ancients (DotA)

  • Release Year: 2003
  • Platform: PC (Warcraft III Mod)
  • Developer: Eul, later maintained by IceFrog

Copy: Dota 2

  • Release Year: 2013
  • Platform: PC
  • Developer: Valve Corporation

Why Dota 2 Succeeded:Dota 2, developed by Valve, was a direct sequel to the popular Warcraft III mod, Defense of the Ancients. While DotA laid the foundation for the MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) genre, Dota 2 brought several enhancements:

  • Improved Graphics and Engine: Built on Valve's Source engine, Dota 2 offered far superior graphics and smoother gameplay.
  • Dedicated Support and Updates: With Valve's backing, Dota 2 received consistent updates, new content, and balanced changes, keeping the game fresh and engaging.
  • E-Sports Scene: Valve heavily invested in the competitive scene, with The International tournament becoming one of the most prestigious and lucrative e-sports events.
  1. Cities: Skylines vs. SimCity

Original: SimCity

  • Release Year: 1989
  • Platform: Multiple platforms
  • Developer: Maxis

Copy: Cities: Skylines

  • Release Year: 2015
  • Platform: PC
  • Developer: Colossal Order

Why Cities: Skylines Succeeded:SimCity was the quintessential city-building game, but the 2013 reboot was plagued with issues, including always-online DRM and limited city sizes. Cities: Skylines capitalized on these shortcomings by offering:

  • Offline Play: Unlike SimCity 2013, Cities: Skylines could be played offline.
  • Modding Support: The game embraced the modding community, allowing players to create and share content, thus extending the game's longevity.
  • Improved Mechanics: Cities: Skylines introduced better city management tools, larger maps, and more detailed simulation, providing a more satisfying city-building experience.
  1. PUBG vs. H1Z1

Original: H1Z1

  • Release Year: 2015
  • Platform: PC
  • Developer: Daybreak Game Company

Copy: PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG)

  • Release Year: 2017
  • Platform: PC, Console, Mobile
  • Developer: PUBG Corporation

Why PUBG Succeeded:H1Z1 introduced many players to the battle royale genre, but PUBG refined and popularized it. The reasons for PUBG's success include:

  • Realistic Gameplay: PUBG's realistic graphics and mechanics provided a more immersive experience.
  • Innovative Features: PUBG introduced key features like the shrinking play zone, which added intensity and urgency to matches.
  • Global Reach: PUBG's availability on multiple platforms, including mobile, broadened its audience, contributing to its massive player base.
  1. Fortnite vs. PUBG

Original: PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG)

Copy: Fortnite Battle Royale

  • Release Year: 2017
  • Platform: PC, Console, Mobile
  • Developer: Epic Games

Why Fortnite Succeeded:While PUBG was a massive hit, Fortnite's Battle Royale mode quickly outpaced it due to several factors:

  • Accessibility: Fortnite was free-to-play, making it accessible to a larger audience.
  • Unique Building Mechanic: The addition of building structures added a creative twist to the standard battle royale formula.
  • Regular Updates and Seasons: Epic Games introduced frequent updates, themed seasons, and in-game events, keeping the game constantly evolving.
  • Cross-Platform Play: Fortnite supported cross-platform play early on, allowing friends on different devices to play together.
  1. Candy Crush Saga vs. Bejeweled

Original: Bejeweled

  • Release Year: 2001
  • Platform: PC, Mobile
  • Developer: PopCap Games

Copy: Candy Crush Saga

  • Release Year: 2012
  • Platform: Mobile, PC
  • Developer: King

Why Candy Crush Saga Succeeded:Bejeweled was one of the first match-three puzzle games, but Candy Crush Saga took the concept and amplified its success:

  • Free-to-Play Model: Candy Crush Saga used a freemium model, making the game free to play with in-app purchases, which drove massive revenue.
  • Social Integration: Integration with Facebook allowed players to compete with friends and request lives, fostering a competitive and social environment.
  • Addictive Gameplay: Candy Crush Saga introduced a level-based progression system and various power-ups, keeping players hooked and encouraging microtransactions.

Conclusion

These examples illustrate that while originality is valuable, success in the video game industry often comes down to execution, innovation, and understanding the market. By addressing the shortcomings of their predecessors and introducing new features, these games managed to outshine the originals and leave a lasting impact on the gaming landscape.

For more topics, see https://bleedingedge.studio/blog/

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