Despite a few disappointing sequels down the years, the Terminator franchise remains hugely loved by fans across the world. As such, there was a lot of hope that the new Terminator: Dark Fate movie would get the series back on track, with the return of Linda Hamilton as the iconic Sarah Connor being viewed by many as a step in the right direction.
Sadly though, Dark Fate is already being viewed by some as a flop, with the Hollywood Reporter even suggesting it could face losses of $120 million. Furthermore, it apparently only made $29 million during its debut weekend in the US.
Such figures have emerged following a strong promotional push in relation to the movie, with one intriguing element being the creation of a mobile game based on it.
Arnold @Schwarzenegger is back. See him in #TerminatorDarkFate, now playing in theatres. https://t.co/ETzyxxJLCH pic.twitter.com/qQADPkpNyG
— Terminator: Dark Fate (@Terminator) November 1, 2019
Released at the start of November, the Terminator: Dark Fate game was created by Skydance Media and Firefly Games. VentureBeat reports that the title has a strategy feel, with players taking command of resistance fighters as they aim to battle the deadly machines that the franchise is famous for.
Like many modern mobile games, the Dark Fate title gives gamers the option of earning rewards as they play and also allows them to spend real cash on in-app purchases to further their progress. Items that can be bought reportedly include resources, equipment, skins, and a host of upgrades.
Firefly CEO Michael Zhang told GamesBeat that the plan was to provide “ongoing content” for the game, which suggests there is undoubtedly an aim to keep it operating for some time to come.
A gaming legacy
The Dark Fate game is just the latest in a long line of Terminator-related video games to be released through the years.
While some have been tie-in titles linked to the launch of movies, others have been standalone and offered new experiences based on the franchise. Furthermore, the games have taken a host of different forms, with some being arcade-based and many being released for consoles, produced by companies including Nintendo and Sega. In addition, a new console game is also actually in the pipeline, with a gameplay trailer for Terminator: Resistance recently being released.
The Terminator franchise is also one of many major movie franchises to take a leap into the world of online slots, with a game based on Terminator 2: Judgment Day being widely available on a range of sites. Such a move may seem surprising, but online casino sites like SkyCity Casino are in rude health at the moment, and offering titles based on much-loved movies are just one innovative way they look to attract new players.
Interesting times ahead
So while Terminator: Dark Fate may have disappointed at the box office, it will be intriguing to see if the franchise can enjoy a better time in the world of gaming.
All eyes will be on whether the new mobile title can engage with gamers, as well as whether Terminator: Resistance will ultimately be able to prove to be a hit. With the franchise’s future seemingly in the balance, interesting times are ahead.
