When it comes to the modern game shows of major television networks, one noticeable trend has been the implementation of an advertisable product within the design or gameplay of a show. Now, game publisher Konami has capitalized on that trend by partnering with NBCUniversal and their streaming service Peacock to create an obstacle course game show based on the arcade classic Frogger, with a trailer releasing to announce its September premiere.
The first Frogger game was released in 1981 and followed the eponymous frog and its struggle to cross a series of dangerous passageways, including roads bustling with traffic and rivers teeming with alligators and floating logs. Konami has kept the franchise alive over time by developing many sequels, spin-offs, remakes, and remasters of Frogger. Today, Frogger is considered to rank among arcade games like Pac-Man, Galaga, Donkey Kong, and Space Invaders as one of the most important classic arcade games from the '80s.
The NBC game show, concisely titled Frogger, is hosted by Kyle Brandt and Damon Wayans, Jr. and tasks its players with leaping onto platforms and avoiding obstacles in order to prevent themselves from falling into a pool of water. The obstacles and platforms—recognizable as the cars, alligators, and logs from the original game—are made with a retro aesthetic that uniquely captures the design of the old arcade games. The first season is thirteen episodes long, presumably culminating in the champion winning a $100,000 grand prize.
Konami has been adventurous with its numerous properties and licensing opportunities as of late. The company gave a green light for the Netflix Castlevania series (which continues to be popular among animation fans) and it allowed Solid Snake, Simon Belmont, and Bomberman to appear in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. In addition, Konami is also working with Sony Pictures and Kong: Skull Island director Jordan Vogt-Roberts on the development of a Metal Gear Solid live-action film.
Two recent examples of a recognizable brand being transformed into a game show have been created by Fox: Beat Shazam, which tasked players with identifying hit songs, and Cherries Wild, which was sponsored by Pepsi Wild Cherry and hosted by Jason Biggs, an actor made famous by the American Pie comedy franchise.
The decision by Konami and NBC to create a Frogger game show will likely be decried by many voices as unnecessary and overtly capitalistic in nature. But if there is any silver lining to the show and its promotion, it is undoubtedly the continued acceptance of video games and their history as a legitimate source of joy, recreation, and inspiration by society at large.
Frogger begins streaming on Peacock on September 9th, 2021.
Source: Peacock/YouTube