7 Video Games That Deserve Live-Action Movie or TV Adaptations

We’ve entered an unprecedented era where video game adaptations consistently achieve critical and commercial success. The days of cringe-worthy film versions like the exaggerated Resident Evil movies, the bleak Max Payne adaptation, and the forgettable 2020 Monster Hunter production are firmly behind us. Streaming platforms now feature video game-inspired live-action series that dominate viewership charts across all major services.

Consider HBO’s emotionally resonant The Last of Us, Amazon’s brilliantly executed Fallout, Netflix’s visually stunning Arcane, and Peacock’s unfairly overlooked Twisted Metal. While occasional misfires still occur—the recent Borderlands film immediately comes to mind—the conversation around video game adaptations now generates genuine anticipation rather than immediate skepticism.

With production studios aggressively developing new television and film projects based on gaming properties, we’ve curated an exclusive selection of intellectual properties meriting live-action treatment. Our criteria excludes franchises already confirmed for adaptation, including God of War, Ghost of Tsushima, and Sleeping Dogs among others.

Addressing the most apparent candidate first, the Red Dead Redemption series essentially represents cinematic Western storytelling perfected through interactive media. Its complex characters, profound thematic depth, and authentic period motifs would translate seamlessly to film formats, with potential for either feature film treatment or premium television series resembling Deadwood’s quality.

Personally, I envision a meticulously crafted film trilogy that comprehensively explores the interconnected narratives of both Red Dead Redemption titles. Picture commencing with an in medias res sequence featuring John Marston ascending the snow-covered Grizzlies mountains like an avenging phantom. He could encounter an ambush by Micah’s henchmen, establishing that pivotal moment from RDR 2’s conclusion, accompanied by the iconic “American Venom” soundtrack. This hypothetical cinematic entry might then transition to the Van der Linde gang’s prosperous era, potentially depicting unseen events like their notorious Blackwater robbery.

The adaptation possibilities here are genuinely extraordinary. Strategic casting decisions combined with a production team possessing deep comprehension of the source material could transform a Red Dead Redemption adaptation into a contemporary masterpiece within the Western genre.

Within science fiction universes, Mass Effect distinguishes itself through remarkably detailed world-building and emotionally sophisticated storytelling. Its expansive galactic setting, populated with distinctive alien species, ancient cosmic mysteries, and intricate political machinations, creates a narrative foundation practically demanding live-action interpretation. Given the immense scope of its mythology, BioWare’s creation could evolve into a space opera capable of competing with cultural phenomena like Star Wars.

The Expanse demonstrates conclusively that interstellar science fiction adventures rooted in authentic character development and spectacular environments can captivate mainstream viewership while earning critical praise. Mass Effect’s fusion of intimate personal conflicts, ethical complexity, and grand-scale storytelling provides ideal conditions for comparable achievement, particularly if it follows Fallout’s model by departing from the Normandy crew to explore fresh narrative territory.

Boasting five primary installments containing countless hours of narrative content, The Elder Scrolls possesses all necessary components to emerge as the subsequent high fantasy phenomenon captivating global audiences. The franchise incorporates supernatural components, conflicting nations, magical institutions, and naturally, dragons—because everyone appreciates dragons?

Beyond these fundamental aspects, TES exhibits unique appeal, partially attributable to the delightfully unpredictable nature of the gaming experiences. However, excluding that characteristic, the series excels at blending lighthearted moments with serious dramatic weight. Only within an Elder Scrolls environment might you encounter a conversational mudcrab before becoming entangled in age-old prophetic events. This inherent narrative spontaneity could distinguish a TES adaptation among established fantasy properties including the bleakly realistic Game of Thrones or profoundly serious Lord of the Rings.

Remedy Entertainment’s interconnected narrative universe presents extraordinary potential for supernatural thriller adaptations. Alan Wake’s psychological horror elements combined with Control’s paranormal investigative themes create a rich foundation for interconnected storytelling. The studio’s signature blend of reality-bending narratives and distinctive visual aesthetics would translate magnificently to screen formats.

The Federal Bureau of Control’s mysterious headquarters, known as the Oldest House, offers a compelling setting for television exploration. Meanwhile, Alan Wake’s writer-protagonist battling dark forces in Pacific Northwest settings provides perfect atmospheric horror material. Combining these elements could create television rivaling Stranger Things’ success while maintaining sophisticated narrative complexity.

Hideo Kojima’s legendary stealth-action franchise represents cinematic gaming at its most innovative. The series’ complex political commentary, philosophical depth, and revolutionary gameplay mechanics provide substantial material for adaptation. Metal Gear Solid’s blend of tactical espionage action and complex character relationships offers unique storytelling opportunities.

The adaptation could explore Solid Snake’s missions while delving into the broader philosophical questions about warfare, genetic destiny, and nuclear proliferation that define the series.

EA Motive’s reimagined survival horror masterpiece demonstrates the enduring appeal of cosmic terror narratives. The series’ atmospheric tension, resource management mechanics, and psychological horror elements would translate powerfully to visual media. The isolated USG Ishimura mining vessel creates the perfect confined setting for relentless tension and horror.

The adaptation could leverage the claustrophobic environments and body horror elements that made the games so memorable. The Necromorph transformation sequences and strategic dismemberment combat could be recreated with modern practical and digital effects to create genuinely terrifying cinematic experiences.

FromSoftware’s challenging action-RPG series presents unique adaptation opportunities through its environmental storytelling and rich mythology. The games’ minimalist narrative approach, conveyed through item descriptions and environmental details, offers creative challenges for adaptation while maintaining the series’ distinctive atmosphere.

The adaptation could explore the cycles of fire and dark, the nature of the undead curse, and the tragic stories of lords and kingdoms past.

Successfully adapting Dark Souls would require balancing the series’ notorious difficulty with accessible storytelling, potentially through focusing on the world’s rich lore and character backstories that are subtly presented throughout the games.

No reproduction without permission：Tsp Game Club » 7 Video Games That Deserve Live-Action Movie or TV Adaptations 7 video game franchises that deserve epic live-action adaptations and cinematic potential