Adi Shankar reveals Castlevania's secret to success: staying true to the source and creating authenticity. Future game adaptations should take note of his recipe.
How did the Devil May Cry/Castlevania Multiverse work?
For several decades now, the Castlevania series has been an institution in gaming. After all, it's a game that captivates so many people with its haunting beauty, deep lore, and iconic characters. And with the recent Netflix adaptation of this series, it certainly didn't decrease in popularity at all.
Perhaps the biggest question one can ask is: what is it about Castlevania that sets it apart from other game adaptations? According to producer Adi Shankar, the acclaimed animated series holds just one secret ingredient behind Castlevania's enduring success, one that game adaptations would do well to learn from.
In a recent interview, Shankar revealed what he believes is behind Castlevania's unexpected success. He dismissed one of the most common theories: that it is cynical to make calculated attempts to make a hit show that ensures success. He instead conveyed the point that authenticity is the most important thing. It is this unconventional approach that served as a surefire recipe for success in creating a dedicated fan base and a critical consensus around Castlevania.
