Why 'Warcraft' is Doing Well Overseas But Terribly Domestically

'Warcraft' is Now the Highest Grossing Video Game Movie of All Time, But No Thanks to the Domestic Markets

By Allen Marcon, CP Contributor Monday, June 20, 2016

The "Warcraft" movie opened completely dismal numbers on its opening weekend and has not done well with the critics either. However, despite the poor opening domestically and the low critic ratings, the film is actually on route to making around $500 million worldwide. This is largely due to "Warcraft" opening to $156 million in China alone.

So why is a movie that domestic audiences are not watching such a hit overseas?

Better Known Overseas

Blizzard, the company that is behind the story for the "Warcraft" movie, has always been huge internationally, particularly in Asia. Games that Blizzard develops and distributes have always been a big hit in the Asian markets, so naturally, people would be better versed in the lore behind the games themselves.

Unfortunately for the US market, games come and go very fast and only a small amount of people can still remember stories from games as far back as "Warcraft." Sure, Blizzard's smash hit online game "World of Warcraft" is still being played until today, but the game's popularity has been in steady decline for the past few years.

Different Audiences

The differences between overseas audiences and domestic audiences can be debated for quite a lengthy measure. However, it cannot be denied that certain audiences like certain things and that is that.

American audiences and critics are panning "Warcraft," stating that it tries to take itself too seriously and that for the campy nature of the source material, the mood is not properly set. Also, much of the domestic audience finds the CGI of the film unrealistic and a little too perfect to believe in.

On the other hand, much of the overseas market believe that "Warcraft" is a solid fantasy film with a lot of depth and character arcs. This is something that Asian markets are particularly used to, especially with anime and popular drama series taking the fantasy genre.

Legendary's Stake in the Chinese Film Industry

It is no secret that Legendary Films allowed several Chinese film companies to take a piece of the equity to the "Warcraft" movie's budget. In fact, four separate Chinese firms bought into the film, which expanded the availability to China's population.

With several firms backing the film, "Warcraft" was studied and marketed properly for the Chinese market especially to the younger generation. The "Warcraft" movie is still showing in theaters.