For decades, video game adaptations were notoriously bad and beleaguered by a terrible reputation. But the tides have turned. Shows like The Last of Us and Fallout are leading the charge into an era in which video game adaptations can receive critical acclaim.
Hollywood is gearing up to release a bevy of adaptations, but the world of games offers much more potential. A Gears of War adaptation has been requested by fans forever, and there are quite a few other titles that would make wonderful TV series – if done right.
7. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Set in the sprawling and incredibly rich world of Tamriel, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim boasts massive potential for an epic TV series.
With an appropriate budget, its high-fantasy setting, dark themes, epic scope, and majestic creatures could be the foundation for a TV show in the veins of Game of Thrones or The Rings of Power.
6. Horizon Zero Dawn
A Horizon Zero Dawn TV adaptation was in the works at Netflix but has reportedly been canned. Even though many players did not care about this termination, the series could be a suitable premise for a thrilling TV show.
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Its vast and history-rich world, intimidating yet awe-inspiring sentient machines, and compelling protagonist offer plenty of inspiration to create a captivating series.
5. Borderlands
Despite its A-Lister-heavy cast, the Borderlands movie adaptation flopped with crushing reviews. This, however, doesn’t mean the looter-shooter isn’t a suitable title for an adaptation.
Instead of a live-action film, the game series that is known for its cell-shaded art style may fare better as an animated series similar to Arcane or Castlevania. After all, the series is filled with interesting characters and intriguing stories that would have the space to breathe in a TV show.
4. Life Is Strange
The episodic nature of the story-driven Life Is Strange games provides the perfect setup for an engaging TV series. With its complex characters and emotional narrative, there is a lot of material for writers to create something compelling for the small screen.
Max’s time-bending superpowers or Alex’s ability to read one’s mind give a grounded teen drama a magical spin, while an underlying sinister mystery allows for deeper themes to be explored.
3. Alan Wake
Back in 2022, AMC bought the rights to Remedy’s Alan Wake to bring the critically acclaimed title to the small screen. Updates have been MIA, leading many to wonder whether the show will ever see the light of day.
With the game’s spine-chilling setting, mind-bending mysteries, and intriguing characters, it would be a perfect candidate for a psychological thriller series to draw in gamers and horror fans alike.
2. Red Dead Redemption 1 & 2
With their cinematic aesthetics, complex characters, and rich narrative, the Red Dead Redemption games could be the perfect foundation for a Western TV series.
The show could begin with the prequel to tell Arthur Morgan’s story before leading to the events in John Marston’s life. Alternatively, exploring the perspectives of the other gangs and their lives and challenges as outlaws in the early 20th-century US could expand on the existing universe and allow for new stories to be written.
1. Gears of War
Xbox’s celebrated game series Gears of War is officially getting the live-action movie treatment, with Netflix having secured the rights.
An adult animated TV series is also in the works, which could be just right to bring the game series to a new medium.
With its over-the-top violence, iconic characters, and action-laden story, Gears of War could make an incredible TV series showcasing the raging war and its effects on the planet of Sera and its inhabitants.
Which video games would you like to see adapted into TV shows? Tell us about your hopes for the future of video game adaptations in the comments below.
