# Story-Based Next-Gen Platform Games 'Balan Wonderworld' Leads Players Through 12 Unique Stories By Riley von Niessen | Published 2020-11-21 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balan-wonderworld References: [nintendo](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/balan-wonderworld-switch/) 'Balan Wonderworld' is an upcoming platform game that's developed by Balan Company and Arzest, and published by Square Enix. The game follows two lead characters named Leo Craig and Emma Cole, who make their way through the magical Wonderwold by following maestro Balan. Players will get to experience a total of 12 stories throughout the game, and will have the chance to collect up to 80 different costumes—each of which will grant them new actions and abilities that they can use to their advantage on their adventures. Balan Wonderworld is set to release in March 2021, and will be available on [PlayStation 4](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/running-on-magic), [PlayStation 5](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bright-memory-infinite), Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, [Nintendo Switch](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-mario-bros-wonder), and Microsoft Windows. Image Credit: Square Enix ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.5/10 - Popularity: 4% | Activity: 3% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Story-based Next-gen Platform Games:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop immersive and interactive storytelling experiences in platform games to enhance player engagement. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Video Game Industry:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate unique storylines and diverse characters into platform games to attract a wider audience. - **Technology and Entertainment:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore emerging technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality to revolutionize the gaming experience in platform games. - **Fashion and Merchandise:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate collectible costumes and accessories in platform games to create additional revenue streams through merchandise sales. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Iconic Sidescroller Franchises](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-mario-bros-wonder.md) - [Family-Friendly Platformer Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rainbow-billy.md) - [Independent Next-Gen Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bright-memory-infinite.md) - [Independent Puzzle Mobile Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/storyteller.md) - [Colorful Fun-Filled Platforming Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yooka-replaylee.md) - [Magical Adventure Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/disney-dreamlight-valley.md) - [Mysterious Platformer Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elypse.md) - [Forced-Scroll Platform Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/running-on-magic.md) - [Castle-Guarding Puzzle Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lil-guardsman.md)