In recent years, the entertainment landscape has seen a big surge in video game adaptations. With iconic franchises like The Last of Us and Five Nights at Freddy’s making their way from consoles to the screens, there’s a lot to take in.
This trend is not just a passing fad but a reflection of how video game storytelling techniques are reshaping the way we approach the relationship between video games and film and TV. Video games are leveling up modern entertainment by introducing complex world-building, immersive storytelling, and cutting-edge visual effects.
From the Pixels to the Pictures
For decades, video game adaptations were notorious for their poor quality (Boooo tomato, tomato). Critics panned early examples like Super Mario Bros. (1993) and Mortal Kombat (1995) for their lackluster storytelling and subpar visual effects, which didn’t measure up.
However, the evolution from these poorly received films to critically acclaimed TV shows and movies marks a significant turning point in the industry.
Today, series like The Last of Us and Arcane have set new standards for what video game adaptations can achieve. The faithful adaptation of the game’s narrative has earned The Last of Us praise. It maintains the emotional depth and character-driven storytelling that made the game a cultural phenomenon, while still adding a twist to certain elements.
Arcane, based on the League of Legends universe, has also got into critical and commercial good graces for its stunning animation and complex character arcs. Finally proving that video game adaptations can succeed in the realms of TV and film.
This shift is partly due to a deeper understanding of the source material by filmmakers and showrunners, many of whom are avid gamers themselves. Now, anyone who was made fun of for being a gamer nerd or whose parents told them to “get off those damn games” can tell everyone to suck it.
It makes you wonder–is this the next big thing? Especially with interactive experiences (your Netflix Houses and Disneylands) starting to steal the spotlight from their on-screen counterparts. Could this bring the screen back to life?
Game-Changing Storytelling
What’s the most significant contribution of video games to modern TV and film you may ask? Non. Linear. Storytelling. Video games often allow players to explore the narrative in a non-linear fashion, bouncing from character to character and making choices that can alter the course of the story.
This interactive element has influenced TV and film storytelling, prompting filmmakers to experiment with new ways of portraying it on screen.
Adaptations like Fallout, Castlevania, and The Last of Us (take a shot every time I mention this show) translate non-linear storytelling and the game’s world-building directly into their shows. And BAM, universes that feel expansive and lived-in are born.
These universes warmly welcome viewers who are completely new to these stories and also give returning players of the games a little kiss on the forehead.
Character development in video game adaptations also benefits from the deep emotional connections players form with characters over the course of a game. Whether Five Nights at Freddy’s or Fallout, giving new life to these beloved characters draws audiences in like nobody’s business.
In The Last of Us (drink), the relationship between Joel and Ellie is central to both the game and the show. The show adaptation delves deeper into their bond, exploring new dimensions of their relationship that resonate with both gamers and new audiences alike.
It’s in with the old and in with the new– you get the best of both worlds, as Miss Montana would say.
Image is Everything
The visual aesthetic of video games, a key part of their appeal, increasingly influences TV and film.
Video games often design cutscenes to be cinematic, using dramatic camera angles, lighting, and music to heighten the emotional impact of the narrative. TV and film now adopt these techniques, creating a *stunning* blend between gameplay and cinematic storytelling.
The use of CGI and animation in Arcane not only pays homage to the visual style of the game but also pushes the boundaries of what is possible in animated storytelling.
Additionally, the blending of animation and CGI in video games has had a big moment for other games turned film and TV portrayals. Other adapted films, like Sonic the Hedgehog and the recent Super Mario Bros. films demonstrate how game-inspired visuals can enhance the storytelling experience.
These adaptations capture the spirit of the games while utilizing advanced visual effects to create a visually satisfying experience that appeals to both gamers and general audiences.
Get In Gamers, We’re Hitting the Screens
Another critical factor in the success of video game adaptations is the role of fandom. Dedicated fan bases deeply invest in the lore, characters, and world-building of their favorite video game franchises.
This passionate community plays a significant role in the success of adaptations, driving interest and engagement across multiple platforms.
The multimedia approach to these series and films, which often includes not just the game and the adaptation but also additional content like comics, novels, and merchandise, helps to create a universe that fans can immerse themselves in.
This approach has been particularly successful with franchises like Halo and Resident Evil, where the TV shows and films are just one part of a larger multimedia storytelling strategy.
However, the recent flop of the Borderlands movie adaptation shows the risks of ignoring the fandom’s expectations (trust there will be hell to pay). Despite being a popular game, the film’s failure to resonate with fans shows the importance of staying true to the source material while also innovating in ways that appeal to both existing fans and new audiences.
Pressing Play on the Future
The gaming industry is HOT right now, so we can expect video game adaptations to continue to rise in popularity. The few examples I listed above just scratch the surface of the console to screen stories out there.
As gaming and traditional media blur and push boundaries, the future of storytelling will likely see these mediums stick together like glue, offering audiences new and exciting ways to experience their favorite stories.
Whether it’s through groundbreaking visual effects, emotionally resonant storytelling, or the passionate involvement of fans, video games are leveling up the world of entertainment in ways that will shape its future for generations to come.
Remember kids, video games rot your brain. But TV shows and films based on video games? That should be fine (according to my very professional, very well-thought-out scientific research).
