10 Games Getting Adapted into TV Shows and Movies

For the past ten years, video games have emerged as a versatile form of entertainment, appealing to a wide range of audiences regardless of whether they decide to play. Notably, many prominent video game titles are finding their place on the silver screen, with Hollywood capitalizing on the compelling narratives crafted by indie and AAA studios. The phenomenon of video game adaptations is not new, but the last two years have shown us that this multi-platform storytelling is here to endure. With the upcoming seasons of hit series like “The Last of Us” (debuting in April), “Sonic the Hedgehog 3”, “Fallout” (in production for season 2), and “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners”, the future seems promising for expanding these franchises to a broader audience.

Looking ahead, numerous video game adaptations remain unseen on the big or small screen. Although the games mentioned here have garnered praise for various reasons, these upcoming productions could potentially strike gold in Hollywood. Some projects are more advanced than others, but eventually each will have their moment under the limelight. Whether they choose live-action or animation, the following titles offer a sneak peek into what’s coming next in Hollywood’s latest lineup of video game adaptations.

Among Us

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but share my enthusiasm for Among Us, a party game that’s all about being part of a vibrant crew, each member sporting their unique color. Our mission? Complete tasks and maintain harmony aboard our spaceship while unmasking the Impostors – clever shape-shifters among us. The social deduction aspect keeps things interesting, making every round a thrilling guessing game. In 2020, it was hard to escape the entertaining gameplay, as it spawned countless memes that fueled our collective laughter.

Now, this beloved game has set its sights on a new frontier – Hollywood! The popularity and success of Among Us have been nothing short of extraordinary, and it’s exciting to see where this journey takes us next.

In 2023, CBS and Infinity Train creator Owen Dennis declared that a new series is in the works. Similar to the game’s premise, this series will come with a fully-voiced cast and animation handled by Titmouse. An impressive roster of colorful talent includes Ashley Johnson (known for The Last of Us), Dan Stevens (Solar Opposites), Patton Oswalt (Ratatouille), Randall Park (Wandavision), Yvette Nicole Brown (Community), and Elijah Wood (The Lord of the Ring series). At present, a release date for this series remains undisclosed.

Watch Dogs

The action-adventure series “Watch Dogs,” created by Ubisoft, has been a well-known name in gaming since 2013. Known for its open-world gameplay that combines stealth, role-playing, and puzzle aspects, the game puts players in the shoes of hacker characters entangled in the criminal underbelly of real-city settings. The latest edition enabled players to enlist any non-player character (NPC) in the game, but it looks like future installments might feature a single or dual protagonists in a new gameplay format.

Initially, the movie adaptation of “Watch Dogs” faced numerous hurdles in Hollywood, spending more than seven years stuck in development limbo. However, in March 2024, there was good news: the project was now progressing at New Regency, with esteemed French director Mathieu Turi and the writer behind “Oxygen,” Christie LeBlanc, on board. Currently, Sophie Wilde from “Talk To Me” and Tom Blyth of “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds And Snakes” are set to star. As of now, a release date for the film has not been disclosed.

Tomb Raider

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but get excited about the news that Lara Croft, the iconic British archaeologist, is making her way back to Hollywood once more. This adventurous journey began for me in 1996 with the groundbreaking action-adventure game Tomb Raider, which set the stage for a total of 12 mainline installments, the most recent being Shadow of the Tomb Raider in 2018. Throughout the years, various studios have taken on this franchise, but one constant has remained – the thrill of delving into perilous tombs and unearthing lost artifacts.

Beyond the video game series, this franchise has expanded into comic books, novels, and even three movie adaptations. The leading role has been brought to life by two Academy Award-winning actresses, Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander, who have both embodied Lara Croft in their unique ways. I can’t wait to see where this legendary character takes us next!

It’s currently uncertain when we’ll catch Lara Croft on movie screens again, but by January 2023, it had been confirmed that the writer of Fleabag, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, was working on a Tomb Raider TV series for Amazon. By November 2024, Game of Thrones actress Sophie Turner was chosen to play Lara Croft in this upcoming television show. However, neither a release date nor production date have been disclosed as of yet.

Ghost of Tsushima

Since its debut in 2020, there have been plans to adapt Sucker Punch Productions’ “Ghost of Tsushima” into a movie or TV series. The game follows the story of samurai Jin Sakai as he fights to safeguard Tsushima Island from the initial Mongol invasion of Japan. With its blend of intense close-quarters fighting set against a stunning backdrop, the game garnered acclaim from critics for its narrative, acting, and aesthetic design. A follow-up titled “Ghost of Yōtei” was announced last year and is slated for release in 2025.

The Ghost, originally, is poised to frighten both large and small screens with two distinct adaptations underway. In 2021, a year post its debut, Sony Pictures and PlayStation Productions disclosed a film adaptation helmed by the director of the John Wick series, Chad Stahelski. This movie will be based on the original game’s narrative. Interestingly, it was recently revealed that an anime, inspired by the multiplayer mode Ghost of Tsushima: Legends, is being developed by Takanobu Mizuno, renowned for his work on Star Wars: Visions and the S1 E1 title The Duel in 2021. At present, there’s no set release date for the film, but the anime will air on Crunchyroll in 2027.

The Legend of Zelda

Known as one of the most acclaimed video game series ever made, The Legend of Zelda collection has gained a strong following among Nintendo enthusiasts worldwide. Starting with the debut of The Legend of Zelda in 1986, which was both critically and commercially successful, the franchise has produced 29 games, with the most recent being The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom in 2024. The main series revolves around Link’s mission to save Princess Zelda from Ganon. Although the plot may seem straightforward, Nintendo has expanded this foundation to deliver a distinct gaming experience for each installment. Ranging from a 2D dungeon exploration game to an open-world action title, this franchise houses some of the finest video games in history, with more than eight entries receiving praise from both critics and fans alike.

In November 2023, Nintendo unveiled plans for a live-action “Legend of Zelda” film in partnership with Sony Pictures. Shigeru Miyamoto, the series creator, and Avi Arad are set to produce this project, while Wes Ball, director of “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” will be at the helm. Although specific details about which Zelda game the film will center around remain unknown, Ball has expressed his preference for “Ocarina of Time” and aims to create a movie reminiscent of the work of Studio Ghibli’s founder, Hayao Miyazaki. As of now, no release date has been set, but it is expected to hit theaters before 2030.

Death Stranding

Death Stranding by Kojima Productions could potentially captivate audiences on the silver screen as well. The story unfolds post a devastating occurrence across America, where Sam Porter Bridges is assigned to transport essentials to secluded settlements and reunite them. The narrative is enriched by an outstanding ensemble cast that includes Norman Reedus (from The Walking Dead), Mads Mikkelsen (Doctor Strange), Léa Seydoux (Spectre), Margaret Qualley (The Substance), and Troy Baker (The Last of Us). Critics have lauded Death Stranding for its performances, graphics, and music. A follow-up, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, is planned for release on PlayStation 5 in 2025.

Following the unveiling of the sequel, news broke out that renowned game designer Hideo Kojima collaborated with Alex Lebovici from Hammerstone Studios, Barbarian’s EP, to create and produce a live-action film based on Death Stranding. In late 2023, Kojima Productions disclosed that A24, the studio behind the critically acclaimed movie Everything Everywhere All At Once, will transform Death Stranding into a live-action film. As of now, there’s no information available on whether the original cast members will reprise their roles or when the production for this project will commence.

Bioshock

In the days ahead, one of the most revered video game series, Bioshock, is set to make its cinematic debut. Known for its exceptional storytelling and critical acclaim, the Bioshock franchise takes us beneath the ocean’s surface to the submerged city of Rapture. Our protagonist, Jack, finds himself on a quest in this ruined metropolis, seeking something he never knew existed. The narrative delves into Jack’s past, uncovering why his destiny led him to Rapture rather than the world above. With its captivating tale, the franchise produced two additional titles, with the most recent being Bioshock: Infinite in 2013.

There were two prior endeavors to resurface this series, one initiated in 2008 with Gore Verbinski, director of Pirates of the Caribbean, involved and Universal Pictures backing it up, but this plan fell through due to worries about a significant budget. In 2022, Netflix announced another attempt, involving Take-Two, Vertigo Entertainment, and Francis Lawrence, director of The Hunger Games, with production underway. At San Diego Comic Con in 2024, producer Roy Lee confirmed that the project was still ongoing, and the budget would be reduced for a more intimate perspective.

God of War

A game like no other is a hardcore action title immersed in both Greek and Norse mythologies. The God of War series launched in 2005 with the self-titled game, earning acclaim for its graphics, storyline, and gameplay. At first, it was set within Greek mythology, following the vengeful journey of a Spartan warrior named Kratos as he confronted the Olympian gods. However, the series shifted to Norse mythology, where Kratos sought redemption rather than revenge. The latest release, God of War Ragnarök, has been hailed as one of the best games ever made and set a new record for fastest-selling first-party game on PlayStation, with 5.1 million units sold in its debut week.

The idea of bringing the franchise onto the big screen has been considered before, with game creator David Jaffe confirming an adaptation as early as 2005. By 2010, the project had progressed significantly, featuring an undisclosed actor cast as Kratos and two writers attached to the script. However, it was confirmed in 2021 that the film was not in active development. Instead, a live-action TV series is currently being developed for Amazon Prime Video. In October, it was reported that the original showrunner and writers had left the project due to creative differences, with “Battlestar Galactica” showrunner Ronald D. Moore now on board as the series writer, showrunner, and executive producer.

It Takes Two

Hazelight Studios’ “It Takes Two” plans to share its achievements by developing a movie and TV series in the coming days. Released in 2021, this cooperative game centers around a mother and father on the verge of divorce, who are magically turned into their daughter’s toys. The only means of escape is by repairing their relationship. Critics have praised the game for its unique take on couch co-op gameplay, with many highlighting it as a significant aspect.

It’s been relatively quiet about the TV series, but the movie version has kicked off its production phase in January 2022. Pat Casey and Josh Miller, famous for the live-action Sonic the Hedgehog films, are on board to script the film. Amazon secured the rights and this project will be a collaborative effort between Hazelight Studios, dj2 Entertainment, Amazon MGM Studios, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions. The movie is set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video, and there are whispers that Johnson might act in the film as well.

Horizon Zero Dawn

The popular video game series “Horizon Zero Dawn,” developed by Guerrilla Games, is making its transition to the silver screen. This critically-adored series tells the story of a young huntress named Aloy, who navigates a post-apocalyptic world teeming with mechanical creatures to unravel her origins. The initial release was highly lauded for its expansive open-world design, gameplay mechanics, stunning graphics, engaging narrative, and top-notch performances. It has earned the distinction of being among the best-selling PlayStation 4 games ever made, leading to a sequel, “Horizon Forbidden West,” and a Lego reinterpretation titled “Lego Horizon Adventures.

At the Consumer Electronics Show 2025, Sony revealed that a movie version of “Horizon Zero Dawn” was in its initial stages at PlayStation Productions and Columbia Pictures. This film is set to recount the storyline from the first game, with aspirations to develop into a film franchise down the line. Various whispers hint at Sadie Sink (“Stranger Things”) and Sophia Lillis (“Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves”) as strong possibilities for embodying Aloy in this cinematic adaptation.

2025-01-12 07:10