Several upcoming video game adaptations in the form of movies and shows look promising. However, the history of TV series and films based on video games has many misfires and missed opportunities. But a seismic shift is underway.
For decades, attempts to bring the interactive magic of video games to the big and small screens often resulted in clumsy plots, wooden dialogue and a fundamental misunderstanding of what made the source material resonate with players. From the cringe-inducing camp of the early Super Mario Bros.
film to the forgettable mediocrity of more recent efforts like Monster Hunter, video game adaptations deservedly earned a reputation for being little more than cynical cash grabs.
The trend, nonetheless, shifted with the phenomenal success of HBO’s The Last of Us has unequivocally demonstrated that video games possess rich narrative potential, capable of being translated into powerful, critically acclaimed television and big-screen experiences.
With meticulous attention to character development, respect for the intricate worlds of the games and the creative talent to bring it all to life, video game adaptations are finally stepping out of the shadows.
A wave of ambitious new projects signals a golden age for fans of both gaming and compelling storytelling. Studios and streaming giants recognise the vast, untapped market of passionate gamers, investing substantial resources into high-profile upcoming video game adaptation movies and video game adaptation TV shows.
Netflix’s anime-styled Tomb Raider adaptation and Arcane: League of Legends illustrate that studios finally recognise the massive market potential of video game adaptations.
From the gritty post-apocalyptic world of Fallout to the vibrant universe of the upcoming Minecraft movie, the fantastical realm of The Witcher and even a Knuckles spin-off series, video games allow filmmakers to explore a dazzling breadth of stories with built-in fanbases primed for thrilling entertainment. Here are all the major upcoming video game adaptations to keep an eye out for.
