Fate/Grand Order causes the divine comedy to be an editorial success again

Fate/Grand Order known for intertwining history, mythology and literature in a single universe, has once again impacted the real world in a surprising way. On this occasion, the phenomenon does not involve figures or some type of merchandise typically as "otaku." However, the game caused that The divine comedy of Dante Alighieri suffered an exponential sales increase. The Japanese publisher Kawade Shobo Shinsha has announced a 130 % growth in sales of the full edition of the classic The Divine Comedy. In addition, stocks were exhausted and caused urgent reprint due to high demand.

This phenomenon has been baptized by some media in Japan and users on social networks such as «The Fate effect«. This is another sample of the power that the mobile game has to influence not only pop culture, but also in the reading habits of its millions of players.

A narrative that connects medieval hell with modern RPG

The trigger for this literary boom is in the recent update of the smartphone game entitled Call IV Ordeal: Court of Humanity - Trinity Metatronius. This history expansion incorporates elements taken directly from The divine comedy. These include the structure of the nine circles of hell and the presence of Dante as an invocable character within the game. The players, intrigued by the fidelity of the references and the conceptual depth of this new story, have begun to look for the original text. Thus they seek to better understand symbolism, mythology and philosophy that Fate It is reinterpreting. In other words, Fate/Grand Order Not only is he entertaining, he is educating, encouraging reading of a fourteenth poem Between a predominantly young audience that in a regular environment would not approach reading.

Fate fans are buying the most expensive version of the book

One of the most surprising aspects of this sales increase is that consumers are not opting for economic editions of the book. The exponential increase in events has been in the luxury version published by Kawade Shobo Shinshawhose price is 5,900 yen (around $ 40). Despite the cost, the demand has been so high that the publisher has been forced to urgently reimpress the complete edition. According to representatives of the publishing house, which makes this version so desirable is the inclusion of illustrations reminiscent of the artistic style of the game. Especially, the vivid representations of hell and their punishments, which visually connect with the aesthetic world of Fate/Grand Order. This visual parallelism not only appeals to fans of the game, but also collectors who value the careful and artistically attractive editions.

A classic work that rebors

The divine comedy It is not a light reading and it is what makes it extremely interesting. Thousands of fans of Fate/Grand Order They have decided to buy it motivated by the video game update. It is an extensive epic poem that recounts Dante's soul journey through hell, Purgatory and paradise. Each stage is full of symbolism, theological criticism and moral reflections on the human soul, justice and redemption. Despite its age, this work remains relevant thanks to its cultural impact. Besides, Fate/Grand Order He has managed to exploit his narrative potential with intelligence. This game does not simplify or banalize its content, but reinterpret it in a science fiction and fantasy context, but respecting the essence of the original material. The result is a direct connection between classical literature and contemporary culture that has aroused genuine interest among players.

It is not the first time that Fate alters reality

This is not the first time when Fate/Grand Order It has a tangible effect on the real world. The franchise has demonstrated again and again that its influence goes beyond digital entertainment. In the past, a character whose favorite taste was Soba's croquettes caused a remarkable increase in the sale of that dish in Japan. Increases in the reading of philosophical and literary works related to other game characters have also been reported, such as Gilles of Rais either Jeanne d'Arc. These effects show that consumers are not limited to interact superficially with the content of the game. Instead, many players feel the need to deepen the historical, cultural or mythological elements found in history. This motivates them out of curiosity, admiration or desire for a deeper connection with the characters.

Can anime and video games boost reading?

This new case opens the debate about the role of video games and anime as promoters of reading and critical thinking. Although in the United States there is speech that video games are simply violent and childish. However, far from being a superficial distraction, franchises such as Fate/Grand Order They are demonstrating that it is possible to use modern media as entrance doors to classical literature. The key is how these contents are presented: with respect, context and an enveloping narrative that arouses the desire to know more. It is not unreasonable to think that some Japanese students who today are interested in the divine comedy thanks to Fate/Grand Order end up reading other European classics such as The lost paradise, Fausto or the Aeneidworks that could also be adapted or referenced by the saga in the future.

Fate's future as a cultural agent

With each new update, Fate/Grand Order It is not limited only to expand its universe, but also its impact on the cultural environment. This is achieved by adding more mythology characters and epic poems of antiquity. The collaboration between the interactive fiction narrative and the classic texts can mark the beginning of a growing trend: video games and anime as cultural education tools. The current situation with The divine comedy It represents an opportunity for editorials, educators and development studies to take note. If the literary interest can be driven by a mobile RPG, perhaps the future of education is closer to the entertainment of what many thought.