Franchise Synergy Isn't It Obvious

In this episode Micah proposes that all major releases of movies, games, books, and other forms of media should have a coordinate release. K Sera and Phil have questions.
 
Phil's after thoughts:
I find it way more amusing than I should that in this episode we are wondering why don't these multi-billion dollar companies actually coordinate their marketing plan better?! To me it's super obvious that they should, the fact that they could 'synergize' and sell movies, games, books, comics, and all of that franchise material and transmute it into gold should be a driving incentivizer for these massive companies. Of course the point that I am trying to make is that if it was easy, it would have already been done.
 
The issue is that products that require creative inputs (such as a great story, or fantastic artwork, or wonderful world building) is way more difficult compared to non-creative (but functional) products such as ball-bearings and industrial level grease (both which are fascinating, mind you, but again NOT CREATIVE). I make this comparison because with "industrial goods" there is a very well defined specific output with tolerances, dimensions to measure, and performances that are readily checked and ensured that they meet the "voice of the customer" (and in terms of industrial customers, it's pretty clear that it is either good enough or not).
 
Obviously this is not the case with creative works. We don't know if a book (or game, or movie) will sell well or not. I laugh when some non-gaming executive shouts out nonsense about "what the gamers want" while their 100 million dollar budget produces a mediocre and semi-passable game (while indie games that are much closer to the pulse of the customer understand that we don't want a "paint by numbers" experience, we want something that is fun, unique, challenging, thought provoking, exciting, adventurous, and of course in all different varying degrees of it as well!).
 
Why am I talking in circles? Because the fact is we don't know what makes something "a hit" yet. And until we know, we cannot coordinate a massive campaign only for it to turn into a flop. Disney's Starwars comes to mind, but there are so many other franchises that either spring up out of nowhere (many of which are Japanese) and some that are just a flash in a pan (I don't think anyone talks about that Fall Guys game anymore).
 
Plus, to me, the fact that a giant corporate machine would just pump out a massive coordinated effort to merchandize another soulless product reminds me of some sad slop (or gruel) that the industry insists for us to consume. Perhaps I am turning into a hipster when I want experiences that feel more independent and outside the firm grasps of shareholders and dollar signs. I think this (among the other complexities of Art and Finance) make it a losing proposition to have a Franchise Synergy to the level that is so obviously not done. Maybe in the future our mathematical models can predict with great certainty which next "hot" thing will pop up (and then for the devouring masses to demand more and more of it), but until then the entire premise is too risky. To put it simply, it is better to diversify and then back up winners then to "put all your eggs into one basket while also counting your chickens before they hatch."
 
Alright, that's it for today. I hope you enjoy the episode and I'll send another message for the next one (when I can review it).
 
 
First, I stand corrected. One Piece isn't the longest manga. That apparently is Golgo 13, with over 200 published volumes. Wow! Who has that kinda time?? Also, bless the creators who share their stories with the world for our entertainment. 

Now, I have opinions about marketing sorcery, and I have a lot of respect for how hard that job is. I also have no actual interest in it - as a job or a subject, really… I'm with you, Concerned Ape. You could make a franchise out of Stardew Valley (cozy farming sims a