6 | Global Trends (Programming, Streaming, Online, Social, or Gaming)

 

For decades, video games and films have existed for audience entertainment, inviting passive viewing and player agency to create different narrative experiences. In recent years, however, the line between them has blurred as game developers, film studios, and streaming platforms have sought to translate and adapt these mediums into one another. What started as a risky crossover has evolved into film and video game success, changing the way that audiences view, experience, interpret, and engage with these mediums.

And what's interesting is that some of the most successful movies and television series today are actually video game adaptations. 

The History of Adaptations

Early video game adaptations began in the 1990s with the release of popular movies such as Super Mario Bros: The Movie (1993). This movie established that game franchises could attract viewership, but many skeptics still had doubts and criticisms about how successful these adaptations would be. According to Brandon Sutton, most attempts at adaptation were defined by "commercial failure, critical panning, or both." And this trend lasted well into the 2010s, with the releases of  Silent Hill (2006) and the Resident Evil series (2002), both of which were poorly received by consumers and critics.

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These early adaptations frequently prioritized recognizable characters and visual references over visual depth, resulting in many projects struggling to capture the essence of the source material. Thus, for years, the idea of video game adaptations carried a reputation for poor storytelling and quality. 

The Breakthrough

The turning point came as soon as gaming itself dominated the media. Stand-alone games soon developed into sequels, merchandise, and Funko Pops, dominating the internet. One could only assume that a video game would soon be adapted into a movie. 

With billions of players worldwide and massive international franchises, video games soon began to rival, and, even surpass, film, receiving more positive receptions. 

At the core of this success? Video games are no longer a niche interest. According to Sutton, a significant portion of the population plays some variation of a video game. And, as a result, adaptations are no longer stigmatized as being "just" a video game movie. 

Film studios began to see the potential of translating game narratives more faithfully, leading to adaptations with larger budgets, improved visual effects, and a stronger collaboration between game and film makers to stay true to the game and increase reputation and reception. 

The Present

Today, video game adaptations are more successful and common than ever––and are even some of the biggest blockbusters. Streaming platforms and film studios are actively seeking out popular, recognizable game franchises with built-in fanbases that they can develop into television and movie. 

One of the biggest hits in recent years was The Last of Us (2023), a profound television show that stayed relatively true to the video game. Audiences follow two individuals navigating a post-apocalyptic world in which the main character, Joel, is taking the cure, a young girl named Ellie, across the country. This adaptation demonstrated how games are becoming more cinematic and movie-like, implementing more film techniques to portray the narrative. Additionally, it also helped bring in a wider audience and made the video game more popular and accessible.

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Similarly, Arcane (2021), a television series adapted from League of Legends, also helped demonstrate how television series can further develop a narrative, going beyond the game's established lore and expanding on certain characters, relationships, and worldbuilding aspects. The show invited those who may not be familiar with LoL to experience some of the most emotionally resonant relationships and aspects to the game: the complex sisterhood between Vi and Jinx and the political conflict between the utopian city of Piltover and the oppressed undercity of Zaun. 

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These are just two examples of how video game adaptations have changed throughout history, going from something that critics turned their nose up at into something that has taken the Internet by storm. These two adaptations demonstrate how, when viewing media through different mediums, the story and viewing experience is enhanced and reinterpreted. 

Looking Ahead

In the future, adaptations are likely to grow even more ambitious. As budgets increase, CGI enhances, and visual effects and soundtracks improve, filmmakers and game designers will continue to create worlds with greater realism and creativity. And, storytelling will continue to grow and expand across multiple platforms, with games, film, and television creating a more diverse audience able to enjoy these compelling narratives. What was once seen as a difficult transition has now become one of the most influential global trends, a period marked by an ever-growing audience, increased cultural influence, and ongoing innovation in storytelling.