News
Thu, May 28, 2026
Toma Komitski, head of sales and business development at Chase A Cloud, will discuss transmedia strategies at PGC Barcelona on June 15th and 16th. In anticipation of his talk, Komitski shared insights on how smaller studios can learn from successful transmedia adaptations, contrasting their approaches with those of established intellectual properties (IPs).
In recent years, transmedia has evolved, with video game adaptations like The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, the Sonic the Hedgehog trilogy, and Detective Pikachu receiving praise for their narratives that resonate with both long-time fans and newcomers. These films have managed to appeal to diverse audiences while remaining true to their source material, incorporating detail and Easter eggs that enhance the experience. Beyond films, transmedia now encompasses TV shows, anime, and web series, with mobile franchises such as Angry Birds and Clash of Clans expanding into multi-medium brands.
Komitski emphasizes the importance of aligning budgets with media intent to avoid financial pitfalls: "If you don't align your budget with the intent of the media, you’ll go broke before the ecosystem matures." He advocates for integrating transmedia concepts from the outset of game development but advises against overextending too early. "Plan globally, execute locally," he stresses, recommending that studios wait for market signals before launching additional products like series or board games.
Chase A Cloud operates as a hybrid studio specializing in animation and production management, having collaborated with major brands like LEGO and National Geographic for nearly two decades. Komitski notes the studio's experience with their own IP, Khalo the Zmeyborn, which has transitioned from books to board games and is set to launch a global mobile game this summer, along with a feature film currently in production.
He underscores the need for developers to collaborate with partners who understand the nuances of different media formats. For instance, adapting a game into a series requires a different approach than treating episodes as extended cinematics. "They are fundamentally different cultures," he points out, advising studios to focus on the essence of their narrative rather than just technical execution.
When considering transmedia for mobile games, Komitski highlights a different strategy due to the inherently wide reach of mobile titles. The challenge lies in establishing deeper emotional connections with players. "The potentially biggest mistake mobile devs could make is thinking their transmedia needs to look like their game," he warns. Instead, he suggests that mobile expansions should provide a richer experience that fosters long-term loyalty and reduces user acquisition costs.
Successful transmedia projects like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and A Minecraft Movie have demonstrated the potential for huge box office returns, with the former grossing nearly $1.4 billion in 2023. Komitski notes that for transmedia adaptations to succeed, they must offer something new that the original medium could not provide, such as scale and emotional depth.
However, he cautions smaller IPs against aiming for immediate theatrical releases, advocating for high-resonance, low-friction platforms like web series or comics that allow for experimentation and community building without exorbitant costs. Komitski concludes that studios should pursue transmedia opportunities proportionally, recognizing that success on smaller platforms is essential before seeking larger projects. "In transmedia, you earn the right to the big screen by winning the small screens first," he summarizes.
