Remediation in media studies means remaking an older work into a newer form of media. A simple example of remediation is the process of reformatting a novel book to animation without changing too much of the storyline.  It does not make the previous media to be unusable, merely overlay it with different platform usage. 

When I first learn of this concept, I keep getting it confused with transmedia, another concept of adaptation. So I tried to research ‘transmedia’ and differentiate between the two concepts. Compared to remediation which focused on the transformation of media forms, transmedia focused on expanding the narrative through different media platforms albeit with a slightly unique storyline. Both of them can exist at the same time and it was rather common at this time and age. 

The most relatable piece of media that undergoes the concept of remediation that I know off would be Ensemble Stars. It started as a video game in early 2015, with the main gameplay as an idol-training game before it was rebranded and split into two different games; one remained as training (Ensemble Stars!! Basic), and another as a rhythm game (Ensemble Stars!! Music). 

Both games have different gameplay styles but share most of the same characteristics, storyline and cards [video game]. Soon in August, a manga adaptation was released although I could not find any complete copy [book]. In 2017, the producer created the ‘Dream Live’ which is a live virtual concert of the character with a live band present [concert]. The animation was launched in 2019, and soon its first movie was released in 2022 [animation/film]. Besides that, the media also organized stage play adaptation in 2016 and has been progressing with multiple categories of stage plays since then [live action stage]. 

This franchise starts from a simple game before being adapted into a comic book, and then as a virtual live concert, animation and live action stage. In terms of transmedia, a few categories of their stage plays expand the narrative and its setting while maintaining the essence of the character. When it comes to remediation, the franchise reformats from video games to other media platforms by taking the original design and concept from the game. It was amazing how these concepts can bring the franchise up. 

I believe that this concept of transformation will continue to grow in the media industry. Remediation was necessary not only for advancement but also to preserve the original work alive, and promote creativity. It was worth it to research more and analyse the study behind remediation of media as the world evolve with technology. 

Fragments of Fanatic's Library

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