extra reading 3

Extra Reading 3

Case study and analysis on theNaruto transmedia platform and why it is successful.

Naruto is an outstanding and successful transmedia. Their cross platform media text has come a long way from the basic manga comics in Japan to the mainstream market in the west as it operates across space in a very interesting manner. (Ryan Bicheranloo, 2014). It features powerful contents that determine its current success. What makes it so successful is the emotional and breathtaking adventures which always bring tears to the audience. (Ryan Bicheranloo, 2014). The deep morels gives the audience know what it means to stay focused in life and what it means to be a human no matter the pain and challenges life throws at us. The show can be seen as a very positive motivation series which influences people and wakes many people up who are going through distress in life. 

Naruto is actually an animated story from Tokyo Japan which made its way into the mainstream market with a huge impact and these days Naruto can be seen as a cross platform media text around the world. In fact, it is admired by people for it's creative and ground breaking story lines. (Ryan Bicheranloo, 2014). It’s media operates across platforms including the original manga comics, the animated series which then been translated in many popular languages such as English for the western market. Here are the transmedia that is used in the series:

a) comics : Original Manga Version-Naruto Vs Neji

Originally in Japanese language and soon got translated into different languages around the world. It had a total number of 72 volumes.

 

b) animated series : anime

The anime comes after the manga. It was released on both VHS, DVD and online streaming, starting from February 15,2007 to March 23,2017. It consists of 500 episodes.

 

c) video games

Due to the success of both the manga comics and the television animated series, video games are made from the story so that fans can play through the game and progress through the story. There are various types of Naruto games in different platforms such as Xbox, Playstation, Online browser, Android Playstore, Ios Appstore and Nintendo. In the video game, the team uses strategies by reliving all classic memorable moments from the story and fighting their way through boss battles with all favourite characters. The game doesn't show all the backgrounds of what’s happening as gamer's will required to watch the animated series and comic of the story.

 

d) movies

There are 11 movies which It corresponded to the Naruto anime series. Each movie released every 3 year or less and was aired in multiple languages.

 

e) social media

Social media such as YouTube, Yahoo, and online forums pages are created for the fans all over the world to discuss amongst each other the possible outcomes of the show and what they think it might happen in the near future for the series and it's story lines. In fact, the biggest discussion goes to ''Does Naruto die?, Will Naruto beat Sasuke this time?, Is Madara still alive?, Who is the Masked man in the series?''. It totally influenced the audience that the people all around the world are so addicted to this “Naruto” creation. Meanwhile, affecting the fans’ mindset and their values. It is indeed a very successful transmedia. 

f) apps

There are various free Naruto apps created to allow the user to watch Naruto episodes on their devices for free. Besides, they have apps that provide mini video games of Naruto. This is yet another great marketing technique which leads the fans back to Naruto as generations nowadays are more prefer to the mobile devices.

g) merchandise

Due to the high engagement of the series, there are merchandise created all over the world such as toy models, posters, Cos-play outfits and many more. It is to let the fans be able to participate in the events of Naruto. Well, this is really a great marketing skill that drives all the fans crazy.

h) theme park

Naruto theme park was opened since 2018 in Fujiyoshida, Japan and was named as Naruto x Boruto : Fuji Hidden Leaf Village. The theme park has turned Naruto’s village into real life, giving the visitor an experience of exploring Naruto world.

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References

IMDb, 2015. Naruto Films - Imdb. [online] IMDb. Available at: <https://www.imdb.com/list/ls078035885/> [Accessed 16 May 2020].

木ノ葉隠れの里」オープン！, 「., 2020. 「NARUTO×BORUTO　富士 木ノ葉隠れの里」オープン！. [online] 富士急ハイランド. Available at: <https://www.fujiq.jp/en/special/201812_narutoboruto/> [Accessed 16 May 2020].

SPOTJAPAN, 2015. Naruto Fans, You Need To Visit This Famous Amusement Park Right Now. [online] SPOTJAPAN.PH. Available at: <https://www.spotjapan.ph/things-to-do/856/naruto-fans-you-need-to-visit-this-famous-amusement-park-this-summer-a1832-20190801-lfrm> [Accessed 16 May 2020].

SAYS, 2019. Michael B. Jordan And Coach Just Dropped A Naruto-Inspired Collection. Here's A First Look. [online] SAYS. Available at: <https://says.com/my/lifestyle/coach-x-michael-b-jordan-naruto-collection> [Accessed 16 May 2020].

Ticket2u, 2019. Inspire Naruto Run 2019 | Ticket2u. [online] Ticket2u. Available at: <https://www.ticket2u.com.my/event/14308/inspire-naruto-run-2019> [Accessed 16 May 2020].

Ryan Bicheranloo, 2014. Ryan Bicheranloo - Media In Transition - Cross Platform Case Study Textual Analysis - Naruto. [online] Casestudytextualanalysis.blogspot.com. Available at: <http://casestudytextualanalysis.blogspot.com/2014/05/ryan-bicheranloo-media-in-transition.html> [Accessed 16 May 2020].