The first games show broadcast to the public arrived in 1938 and was a television spelling competition. Since then, this humble format has branched off into a multitude of genres. From general knowledge shows like Who Wants to be a Millionaire, to physical endurance trials like Ninja Warrior, the game show is enjoying a renaissance. This has naturally crossed over into the world of gaming and has proven extremely beneficial. 
The Proliferation of Console Game Show Games
The streaming era has brought a freshness to the game show genre. There are numerous reasons for this. Firstly, people love games, and game shows always have an underwritten interactive element, especially when they employ general knowledge. They are also a unique form of entertainment, providing something different to high-budget dramas and slot-filling reality television.
Over time, several great games have used game show licenses. The first that gained popular attention was Family Feud, which had its own title created by Gametek and was released on the Nintendo Entertainment System. Even today, a look through the PlayStation Store will reveal a host of game show titles such as Knowledge is Power and Jeopardy!
Other Gaming Avenues
Licenses for these classic game shows don’t just appear in console gaming either. One natural outlet where they have proven extremely popular has been in the world of iGaming. This is the sector primarily concerned with online casino games, such as poker, blackjack, and slots. As both have the same outcome: Attempting to win money, in many ways these game show titles are more suited to casino-type games, as they can keep the main element intact. Take a console adaptation of Deal or No Deal. They have no real incentive to keep a player interested, as at their core players are competing for a box with a number inside. It has no intrinsic value. Now compare that to a Deal or No Deal live casino title, where players have the chance to win money. There is more to lose, and thus more enjoyment and thrill.
These games naturally meld with slots more than any other casino game. Megaways is a very unique system, in which cascading reels can increase the ways players have to win, creating high-volatility slot games. The Megaways casino network mechanics has used game show titles to full effect, creating titles such as Wheel of Fortune. People get to play slots that have elements of their favorite television shows and can potentially win big. By using welcome bonuses, they also don’t have to use up large amounts of their bankroll to try these games out. 
How Do They Benefit the Gaming Industry?
These games benefit catalogs in two ways. Firstly, they are cheaper to make. The cost of bringing Deal or No Deal to a console, for instance, will be nowhere near the budget needed to make a game like Red Dead Redemption. However, being based on a popular license, they still attract players. They also provide casual gaming experiences. This can bring in a whole new demographic, for those who don’t want in-depth titles but want easy-to-pick-up and play fun.
As more games become popular, they will inevitably transfer to digital forums. Be it consoles, iGaming, or app-based titles, those who enjoy a game show will always be spoilt for choice.
