Photo by Hollywood’s New Obsession: Video Game Adaptations
The film industry is shifting its focus away from comic book adaptations and towards video game-based movies and TV shows. This trend is driven by the success of recent releases, such as “Grand Turismo” and “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” which have proven that video game adaptations can be both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.
According to Ampere Analysis, at least 19 television shows based on video games debuted last year, including “Bioshock” and “God of War” on Amazon Prime and Netflix, respectively. The trend is expected to continue, with more adaptations in the pipeline.
The success of video game adaptations can be attributed to the dedicated fan base of gamers, who are eager to see their favorite characters and stories brought to life on the big and small screens. However, video game studios are cautious about adaptations, fearing that they could compromise their intellectual properties.
“If they don’t like something, they will tell you,” said Helene Juguet, managing director of Ubisoft Film & Television. This sentiment is echoed by Take Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnik, who stated that game studios “run the risk of compromising the underlying intellectual property” when making adaptations.
Despite these concerns, video game adaptations are becoming increasingly popular, with fans enjoying “easter eggs” and nods to the source material. The production teams behind these adaptations are taking steps to engage with gamers, embedding themselves in online communities and incorporating feedback into their storytelling.
One example of this is the upcoming reboot of the Chinese palace drama “My Fair Princess,” which will be produced in collaboration with Tencent Pictures. The show’s creator, Chiung Yao, aims to appeal to young people with a fresh take on the familiar love story.
In another development, Constantin Film is expanding the “Resident Evil” universe with a new film and Netflix series. The film will be a prequel to the original game, exploring the events of “Resident Evil Zero,” while the series will introduce a new storyline set in a post-apocalyptic world.
Image: Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City
The film industry’s shift towards video game adaptations is a response to the changing landscape of entertainment. As gamers become increasingly influential, studios are recognizing the potential of video game-based movies and TV shows to attract new audiences and generate revenue.
Image: My Fair Princess
In conclusion, video game adaptations are becoming a staple of the entertainment industry, with their popularity driven by the dedication of gamers and the potential for commercial success. As the trend continues, we can expect to see more innovative and engaging adaptations that bring beloved characters and stories to life.
