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They might deal with swords and shields, but fantasy games remain as popular as ever in the modern games market. MCV sets off on a quest
Fantasy has come a long way since the dice-rolling days of the original Dungeons and Dragons.
With floods of video game titles allowing players to slash, summon and spellcast their way through a diverse variety of environments filled with all sorts of mythical beings and beasts, it’s clear that the genre continues to enchant and impress.
The sector can hardly be discussed without a mention of Square Enix’s behemothic Final Fantasy franchise. Created in 1987, more than 25 years, 14 core titles and four movie spin-offs later, the series has sold in excess of 85 million units. This popularity has spawned a huge range of merchandise, from T-shirts and plush toys to figurines, keyrings and even vinyl soundtracks.
This year will see the re-release of several of Square’s Final Fantasy titles on PC via Steam, making now the right time to encourage fans of the franchise into stores.
Square’s series is joined by another fantasy giant. Bethesda’s The Elder Scrolls series has sold more than 30 million units worldwide. More than two thirds of these sales come from the fifth entry in the franchise, Skyrim.
Having sold over 20 million copies since it was released in 2011, Skyrim is the best-selling fantasy game of all time, and therefore one of the best-selling video games of all time.
EA also has its own multi-million-selling fantasy franchise. The Dragon Age series has sold to date more than five million units, with the first game, Dragon Age: Origins, selling more than 3.2 million.
The IP returns this year with the third game in the series, Dragon Age: Inquisition. Fantasy fans are bound to be gearing up ahead of their return to the world of Thedas, so now is a fantastic time to be stocking up on merch.
Dragon Age: Inquisition Heraldry Messenger Bag
Emblazoned with the Seeker logo from the latest title in BioWare’s role-playing fantasy series, this Dragon Age: Inquisition messenger bag is created from durable nylon and has a padded carrying handle and integrated laptop sleeve. It does not guarantee laptop safety from dragon breath.
SRP: $60 (38.30)
Manufacturer: BioWare
Distributor: BioWare
Contact: contact@bioware.com
The Witcher Adventure Game
Based on The Witcher novels and video games, this board game adaptation allows up to four players to assume the roles of popular characters – including lead anti-hero Geralt – from the series and battle their way across the Witcher universe, taking down monsters and earning victory points.
SRP: 42.99
Manufacturer: Fantasy Flight Games
Distributor: Esdevium Games
Contact: 01420 593 593
Final Fantasy Moogle Plush
Fans can finally own their own Moogle, with this plush based on the adorable Final Fantasy series mascot.
SRP: 21.99
Manufacturer: Square Enix
Distributor: CentreSoft
Contact: 0121 625 3388
The Witcher House of Glass
This paperback collects the entire The Witcher spin-off graphic novel miniseries, with all five issues included.
SRP: $17.99 (11.48)
Manufacturer: Dark Horse
Distributor: Diamond Comic Distributors UK
Contact: 01928 531 760
The Elder Scrolls:Online Wallscroll Map
This 77x100cm wallscroll shows the map of Tamriel, the vast continent of The Elder Scrolls: Online.
SRP: 19.99
Manufacturer: Gaya Entertainment
Distributor: Gaming Merchandise UK
Contact: hello@gamingmerchandiseuk.com
Dragon Age:Inquisition Hoody
This snow-washed top based on EA’s new fantasy title has the Seeker logo on its back and a skull patch on one arm.
SRP: $68 (43.41)
Manufacturer: BioWare
Distributor: BioWare
Contact: contact@bioware.com
Final Fantasy Chocobo Plush
These themed plush of the Final Fantasy fowl are available in White Mage, Black Mage and Christmas clothing.
SRP: 21.99 (Each)
Manufacturer: Square Enix
Distributor: CentreSoft
Contact: 0121 625 3388
Magic Missiles KillPeople T-Shirt
Alluding to the iconic Dungeons and Dragons spell, this T-shirt warns against the dangers of careless spell casting.
SRP: 19.99
Manufacturer: Jinx
Distributor: Gaming Merchandise UK
Contact: hello@gamingmerchandiseuk.com
