The 1980s were an era defined by imaginative storytelling, producing iconic films, TV shows, and characters that continue to captivate audiences today. These properties have grown into cultural cornerstones, and as the children of the 80s have grown up, so has their desire to relive the media that shaped their youth. Video game developers recognize the emotional and financial potential of these beloved properties.

By transforming them into interactive experiences, developers tap into a fanbase already invested in these worlds, while also introducing these stories to new generations. Many 80s IPs remain ripe for fresh interpretations, making them perfect themes for today’s video games.

The Power of Nostalgia

Nostalgia has become a major driver in the entertainment industry, especially when it comes to reintroducing content from the past. The demographic that grew up with 80s media—those in their 40s and 50s today—holds significant purchasing power and a strong connection to the franchises that shaped their childhoods. These fans now have the disposable income and leisure time to indulge in revisiting their favorite characters, storylines, and settings from decades ago.

This built-in fan base provides a unique advantage for developers. By creating video games based on 80s IPs, they can tap into the emotional resonance of these properties, leveraging cherished memories to generate excitement and engagement.

This emotional connection isn’t just limited to those who grew up in the 80s; younger gamers, drawn by the allure of these classic franchises, can also be introduced to the magic that made these stories timeless. The fusion of modern gaming technology with retro themes offers the best of both worlds—allowing players to relive the past while experiencing it in ways that were unimaginable during its original release.

A Few Iconic 80s IPs with Gaming Potential

While several 80s IPs have already been adapted into games, many iconic franchises remain largely untapped. With the right creative direction and game development team, these classic properties could shine as major gaming hits, and we are only scratching the surface:

Miami Vice – This iconic TV show defined the cool, neon-lit aesthetic of 80s Miami, combining slick style with hard-hitting crime drama. Imagine an open-world action-adventure game where players step into the shoes of detectives Crockett and Tubbs, solving cases, going undercover, and engaging in high-speed car chases across the vibrant Miami landscape. A game akin to Grand Theft Auto, but drenched in 80s flair, would appeal to older fans of the show as well as younger gamers eager to experience the thrill of fast-paced action set against a retro backdrop.

Top Gun – With Top Gun: Maverick reigniting interest in this high-octane franchise, now is the perfect time for a fully developed aerial combat game. A Top Gun video game could blend high-speed dogfights, multiplayer competition, and a cinematic single-player campaign where players can take to the skies as elite fighter pilots. Imagine a blend of immersive flight simulation and action-packed storytelling, offering players the adrenaline rush of pushing fighter jets to their limits in heart-stopping air battles.

Beverly Hills Cop – Eddie Murphy’s Axel Foley was the epitome of 80s cool, mixing street smarts with charm and humor. A third-person action-comedy game could capture this vibe, with players solving crimes in glitzy Beverly Hills while using Axel’s unorthodox methods to take down criminals. Blending combat, stealth, and puzzle-solving, a Beverly Hills Cop game could borrow inspiration from cinematic action games like Uncharted, offering humor, action, and a strong dose of 80s nostalgia.

Escape from New York – John Carpenter’s dystopian classic could make for a fantastic post-apocalyptic action-survival game. Players could take on the role of Snake Plissken, navigating a crumbling, lawless New York City where every resource matters. With elements of stealth, combat, and exploration, this game could offer an atmospheric, immersive experience where players must rely on their wits to survive and complete high-stakes missions in a dangerous, decayed urban landscape.

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe – The epic world of Eternia, featuring He-Man’s battle against Skeletor, offers a rich setting for an action-packed RPG or action-adventure game. Imagine a large, open world where players can explore Castle Grayskull, defend Eternia from the forces of evil, and unleash powerful attacks using the iconic “Sword of Power.” With dynamic combat and a deep story, a He-Man game could combine magic, myth, and heroism to captivate both nostalgic fans and new players.

The Terminator – While the Terminator franchise has seen multiple game adaptations, the potential for a truly groundbreaking experience remains. Imagine an open-world, post-apocalyptic game in the vein of Horizon Zero Dawn or Cyberpunk 2077, where players fight as part of the human resistance against an army of machines. With survival mechanics, intense combat, and expansive exploration, a new Terminator game could capture the raw intensity and bleak future that made the films so iconic.

Back to the Future – Although Back to the Future has had several gaming adaptations, a large-scale game with complex time-travel mechanics could offer an exciting experience for fans. Players could join Marty and Doc in traveling between the past, present, and future to solve puzzles, stop time-traveling foes, and prevent catastrophic timeline disruptions. The mix of sci-fi adventure and humorous storytelling could make for a fun, story-driven game where players must think strategically to maintain the fabric of time.

Highlander – With its tagline “There can be only one,” Highlander is a perfect fit for a narrative-driven action game. Players could step into the shoes of immortal warriors, battling others throughout history in epic sword duels. With combat mechanics similar to For Honor and a storyline spanning centuries, a Highlander game could offer both visceral one-on-one combat and rich exploration of a deep, mythological world.

A Few Successful 80s-Based Games

There’s already proof that 80s IPs can translate into successful video games. Recent titles that have capitalized on nostalgic properties include:

Robocop: Rogue City (2023):

This recent adaptation of Robocop brought the beloved 80s hero back to life in a gritty first-person shooter set in dystopian Detroit. The game captured the essence of the original character, blending cyberpunk aesthetics with intense combat and narrative choices. Rogue City successfully reignited interest in Robocop, tapping into the original’s themes of crime, justice, and humanity’s relationship with technology.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge(2022):

This retro-inspired beat ‘em up was a love letter to the 80s cartoon, capturing the essence of the original while delivering a satisfying modern experience.

Transformers: Devastation(2015):

With its cell-shaded art style and fast-paced action, this game tapped into the classic look and feel of the original Transformers show, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers.

Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered(2019):

Featuring the original cast and a storyline that expanded the Ghostbusters universe, this remaster was a nostalgic hit among fans of the beloved franchise.

The Timeless Appeal of 80s IPs

The magic of 80s IPs lies in their timeless themes—stories of friendship, the battle between good and evil, heroism, and the quest for justice. These universal narratives continue to resonate across generations, making 80s properties ideal for adaptation into modern games. The larger-than-life characters, high-stakes action, and unforgettable settings that defined the decade are perfectly suited to the interactive nature of video games, where players can fully immerse themselves in these beloved worlds.

With today’s advanced gaming technology, the potential for storytelling and world-building is limitless. These 80s IPs, which once captivated audiences on the big screen, can now be brought to life in ways that go beyond their creators’ wildest dreams, offering an entirely new level of immersion and engagement.

Using 80s IPs can increase the chances of success for video games for several key reasons:

Built-in Fan Base: Many 80s franchises have large, dedicated fan followings, providing a ready-made audience excited to revisit beloved worlds and characters.

Nostalgia Appeal: Players who grew up in the 80s now have disposable income and are eager to relive their childhood memories through modern gaming.

Timeless Themes: Many 80s IPs feature universal themes like good vs. evil, friendship, and adventure, which resonate with new audiences across generations.

Cross-Generational Reach: Modern adaptations of these IPs can attract both older fans and introduce the characters and stories to younger players, broadening the target audience.

Proven Success: Games like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge and Robocop: Rogue City demonstrate the potential of 80s properties when brought into the modern gaming landscape. These successes prove that the right combination of nostalgia and innovation can yield highly successful titles.

As the demand for recognizable, engaging IPs continues, 80s franchises present a treasure trove of opportunities for game developers.

This idea seems to be gaining traction with a new Avatar: The Last Airbender game that has been recently announced, described as a “AAA RPG” developed by Saber Interactive. Unlike previous games, this one introduces an entirely new Avatar, set thousands of years before the events of Aang or Korra’s stories. The game promises dynamic combat as players master all four elements, offering an action-RPG experience rather than turn-based mechanics. Though no release date has been confirmed, it’s expected to be the biggest game in the franchise to date.

Fans who grew up with these shows and movies are eager to revisit their favorite worlds, and with the success of games like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge and Ghostbusters: The Video Game, it’s clear that 80s IPs can thrive in the gaming world.

With the right creative vision, these properties could become the next big hits, combining the nostalgia of the past with the immersive gameplay of today.