Game shows have always been a staple of TV entertainment. No matter where in the world, a game show will often reign supreme. They are typically reserved for Saturday nights, where they can be exposed to larger audiences as people work Monday through Friday.

Another hugely popular pastime is gaming. According to estimates, roughly 3.09 billion people play video games worldwide. This number is continuing to climb, with it expected to increase to approximately 3.32 billion by the end of 2024.

Therefore, it’s no surprise that these two industries have combined to create a lot of success. Indeed, many of the game shows that have been created can be transferred into a digital format, one that everyone at home can enjoy and play in their own time.


What Are the Best Video Games Based on Game Shows?

Given that game shows can often feature a rather simple premise, it’s not surprising that so many video game developers take the concept and make it available to the masses through their games.

There have been several releases that have been based on the shows that have been enjoyed, with many of them having gone on to achieve success...


Wheel of Fortune

Perhaps one of the most iconic game shows to have ever been made, Wheel of Fortune can be played as a video game. The game features a spun huge wheel, with contestants able to purchase consonants and vowels to try and solve the phrase on the board for prizes. The big kicker with this game is that there are ‘Bankrupt’ segments on the wheel, which will see them lose all their money and turn.


Monopoly

Monopoly is a game that is synonymous with being played on a board, but it’s had it’s turn as a game show and video game. Monopoly GO is perhaps the most famous in recent times as it’s playable as a mobile app, but those who enjoy live gameshows as part of a casino gaming can play a version of it. It features a big wheel with different segments that is spun containing bonuses and other prizes. With Monopoly being a global game, it’s unsurprising it has become a top option for those seeking a game show experience in the guise of a casino game.


Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

Arguably one of the biggest and most successful quiz-themed game shows ever, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? is a show that has been very easy to convert into a digitalized video game. It’s been made available across various game consoles and mobile devices, allowing people to answer questions and use the iconic show lifelines to try and climb the ladder and “win” as much money as they possibly can!


The Chase

An iconic game show of today’s era of television, The Chase is another quiz-based show that has been very easy to replicate in the form of a video game. Players can take on a Chaser by answering as many questions correctly as they can to get home, before trying to outrun them in the final chase to take home the spoils. Questions can be challenging and can vary in difficulty, which just adds to the overall appeal that this quiz show has with millions around the world.


Deal or No Deal

Deal or No Deal is a box-based game that requires players to pick a box to keep at the beginning, and then pick numbered boxes to eliminate throughout the game. The aim is to try and get as much money as possible by picking those with the lowest values to discard. The game became extremely popular due to its simple premise. This helped to turn it into a video game, as the rules and concept are very basic, making it easy for developers to create and make playable.


Will Game Shows Continue to be Popular Video Game Options?

Given the simplicity of a game show and their popularity for primetime TV viewing (Saturday evenings), it’s likely we’ll continue to see video games based on them.

Whether they remain popular with gamers may depend on how well a show does on TV. But as they are easy to understand and can offer unlimited entertainment, perhaps it’s something we’ll see even more of in the future.