Playing With the Dead: Transmedia Narratives and the Walking Dead Games

Iain Donald, Hailey J. Austin

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

    Abstract

    This chapter discusses the theory and practice of transmedia narratives within the storyworld created
    by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore and Charlie Adlard’s comics series The Walking Dead. It examines
    key aspects from the comics series and AMC’s adaptive television franchise to consider how both have
    been utilized and adapted for games. Particular focus will be paid to Telltale Games’ The Walking Dead,
    Gamagio’s The Walking Dead Assault and Terminal Reality’s The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct. The
    chapter explains the core concepts of transmedia narratives as they relate to The Walking Dead, places
    the games in the context of both the comics and television franchise, examines the significance of commercial
    and grassroot extensions and considers the role gaming and interactive narratives have within
    rich storyworlds. In examining The Walking Dead as a transmedia property, the authors demonstrate
    how vast narratives are adopted, modified and transformed in contemporary popular culture.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationHandbook of Research on Transmedia Storytelling and Narrative Strategies
    Subtitle of host publicationAdvances in Media, Entertainment, and the Arts
    EditorsRecep Yilmaz, M. Nur Erdem, Filiz Resuloglu
    PublisherIGI Global
    Chapter4
    Pages50-72
    ISBN (Electronic)9781522553588
    ISBN (Print)9781522553571
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jul 2018

    Publication series

    NameAdvances in Media, Entertainment, and the Arts (AMEA)
    PublisherIGI Global

    Keywords

    • walking dead
    • henry jenkins
    • transmedia
    • video games
    • Comics
    • fandom
    • storyworld
    • franchise

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