Over the last few years, some of the classic titles within the film industry have found themselves once again coming to the forefront in the form of contemporary adaptations that have occurred across a range of various platforms. While the film sector itself has looked to film reboots in recent times, including the record-breaking, Jurassic World, to help counter the current problems surrounding the industry, the influence of iconic releases within the treasure hunter genre has developed far beyond any pre-existing expectations. 

As a result of that fact, we’re going to take a look at how classic treasure hunter movies have been able to drastically influence modern-day platforms, along with also considering how and why the genre continues to be redeveloped into newer treasure-themed adaptations.

The worldwide appeal of lost treasure

Across a wide range of business sectors within the entertainment industry, world-renowned films have become central to many companies attracting a wide array of new customers. Although it has become influential to numerous marketing approaches, the history of the treasure hunter genre has had a significant impact on the gaming industry, and, more specifically, the online iGaming sector.

Platforms such as Karamba casino Canada have produced games like Action Jack, John Hunter and have also just released a game inspired by the 1985 treasure-hunting cult-classic, The Goonies. Additionally, along with Denmark, Sweden, and the UK, many of the platform’s games are now more recently being marketed to extended global audiences, such as those in Canada, which highlights the worldwide appeal of the genre’s continuing popularity.

The real treasure in the iGaming industry, however, is the customer's money, with a vital
emphasis placed on ensuring that gamer money remains constantly protected. Due to the platform’s partnership with Aspire Global, which offers iGaming security solutions, transactions and winnings are consistently handled with care and are securely processed through the casino’s partner company. 

Influence on the video game industry

Moreover, the treasure hunter trope has transpired further with the video game industry also celebrating the continuing success of classic franchises such as Lara Croft and The Legend of Zelda. With the premise of Lara Croft being to uncover the treasure hidden deep within sacred tombs, and the classic hero, Link, in the Zelda franchise spending his time galivanting around chopping open treasure chests. The popular and gripping appeal of setting out on a quest to uncover untold riches vicariously through a fearless protagonist perhaps proves to be even more so in the interactive, hands-on world of adventure video gaming.

The classics of the genre vs. modern-day adaptations

Following its release back in 1989, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade became the first film to sell a total of $10 million in ticket sales on a single day. 30 years after the release of the record-breaking film, the franchise’s latest movie, which is unofficially titled Indiana Jones 5, is scheduled to be released in 2021. Similarly, the influence of other releases such as National Treasure and The Goonies had on the entertainment industry can’t be understated. The latter, now a treasured cult-classic of 80's cinema resides as a globally beloved icon of the “lost pirate treasure” film genre. Hollywood blockbuster franchises such as the Pirates of the Caribbean film were set to follow, introducing us to some of the most iconic characters in film to date.

One of the reasons why the section of the industry continues to be re-vamped into modern adaptations is due to the nostalgic influence of these coming-of-age movies. Knights andBikes, a video game developed by Steam which is scheduled to be released at the end of August, has come to fruition after being inspired by The Goonies. Despite initial plans to have a Goonies-esque cast being shelved, the desire to incorporate the iconic dynamic of the gang of misfits and cooperative puzzles remains. 

From nostalgic classics to inventive adaptations

It’s clear to see why many treasure hunter classics have continued to be adapted and modernized as time has gone by. For many, titles such as Indiana Jones, National Treasure, and The Goonies offer a nostalgic experience and, because of that, the scope for creating more innovative and immersive adaptations is greater than ever before.