There are plenty of games that need to have a TV series adaptation. When you think of video games, you think of storytelling. Games are created with a narrative in mind to motivate the player. This formula has worked forever and continues to be a selling point in popular games.
God of War itself is a game centered around Kratos’ life and the quest for vengeance. The Last of Us is a post-apocalyptic story that follows Joel and Ellie and their experiences across post-outbreak America.
Game storytelling has created memorable franchises and solidified their status. That is to say, many people ask: “What if it were a movie?” Many studios have tried to answer that question, and many have failed.
The length of video game stories unfold cannot be condensed into a movie length without any sacrifices to substance. Movies like Assassin’s Creed and Hitman: Agent 47 showed potential, but didn’t deliver. So the question was rephrased: What if it were a series show?” Here are our picks of games that have potential, and can deliver a series show.
DOOM
It doesn’t get as simple as the DOOM franchise. Doom Slayer, amicably known as “John Doom” is the player character set in a shooter game where you fight monsters from hell. The game is straightforward in its design and forces the player to play the fun way or lose. With a wide arsenal of weapons and many creatures to shoot at, this game is a certified classic.
Its recent installments in DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal revived a passionate community of fans. The reception for both games is great, and that alone makes it a solid title. But is it show-worthy? Yes.
With a single goal in the game, to kill demons from hell, a show revolving around DOOM can simply reuse the plot of the revived series. They can also use the plot to start an awesome TV series. Just make sure to put a graphic warning. Not everyone likes gratuitous violence.
Animal Crossing
You, your island, and your character—a good life. This is the premise of Animal Crossing. A relaxing game where you move to a rural village populated by humanoid animals. The game doesn’t give you any goals, as you are both the goal-setter and completer.
Rural life takes you on a ride of farm life, fishing, item collection, and socializing with the residents. Multiplayer and broad customization indicate the player never tiring of doing one thing.
An adaptation of Animal Crossing is a prickly thing to approach. First, it is an open-ended game with no clear goals on its own. A character can simply follow the first steps when entering the game, but it’s the open sea from there.
On the other hand, the writers can follow a sitcom formula, as the game is lighthearted and fits the genre. For the source material having memorable NPCs, an Animal Crossing show is worth going for. Just make sure the team loves the game as much as the fans.
Frostpunk
In the bitter cold of hell, no one can save us but ourselves. Frostpunk is a city-builder game that pits you against the cruel indifference of mother nature. After a twin volcanic eruption, the world experiences volcanic winter. You, The Captain, are tasked with leading a group of survivors in this battle of warming up in the cold. Problems include labor, health, politics, and religion, all while the ultimate enemy looms behind.
An adaptation could show in detail the context in which the game was set in. Themes of struggle and human solidarity resonate with many people. The perspectives of the people living in this world could set a message of collective struggle. Developers made the game real and personal, so the adaptation should match that intensity as well.
What are your picks for video game TV series adaptation? Let us know in the comments! If you liked this article, you can read more on our website. You can also follow us on social media to stay updated with the latest esports and gaming news.
