Can transmedia content actually increase traditional TV ratings?

Guy Gadney has been working on two transmedia projects that tie in to long-running TV series testing the theory that interactive content is better for upping viewership than social media buzz.

Some television dramas transcend being called a ‘program’ and become part of a national identity. These are shows which run for series spanning decades and can survive a complete cleanse of the cast while ratings continue to be measured in decent percentages of the population.

Recently we have been commissioned to work with two of these shows. One is the popular Underbelly series for which we are building a game titled Underbelly: Skirmish. The second project we are working on has more profound results on the future of television engagement. In July, we launched a nine-week transmedia project for the Dutch broadcaster RTL. The project revolves around their iconic daily soap opera known as GTST.