Will Video Game Films Become the Next Big Thing in Hollywood?

It is a fascinating question whether video games will become the next major trend in the entertainment industry, particularly in Hollywood. This intriguing prospect can be compared to the rise of comic book films, which have come to dominate the landscape over the last few decades. However, video games, despite their long history, have not yet fully realized their potential in the cinematic realm. As we explore the parallels, differences, and future possibilities, it becomes clear that video games have the potential to carve out a significant niche in the film industry.

Comic Book Films: A Historical Precedent

Let us turn our attention to the rise of comic book films. For decades, there have been attempts to bring comic book stories to the big screen, yet the success rate has been decidedly mixed. Notable film adaptations like Superman (1978) and Batman (1989) were hits, but many others such as Spider-Man (1977), Captain America (1979), Supergirl (1984), and Howard the Duck (1986) were box office flops. The comic book era peaked between 1985 and 1993, as fans of these comics grew into adults.

These fans later developed the core fanbase for iconic franchises in the 2000s, such as X-Men, Spider-Man, and The Dark Knight. With the subsequent generations of fans, the filmmakers created sprawling cinematic universes like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, DC Extended Universe, and Deadpool. As the audience grew, so did the film industry's appetite for this genre.

Video Games: A Parallel Yet Different Path

Video games, on the other hand, began their journey in the 1970s and have faced similar challenges in transitioning to cinema. While some games like Mortal Kombat (1995), Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), and Resident Evil (2002) found modest success in the 1990s and 2000s, many others, including Super Mario Brothers (1993), Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997), and House of the Dead (2003), were critical and commercial disappointments. However, starting in the 2010s, video game films began to see significant financial success, with films like Sonic the Hedgehog (US $306M), Angry Birds (US $353M), Rampage (US $428M), Detective Pikachu (US $433M), and Warcraft (US $439M). Additionally, the industry is poised for more blockbuster video game films, such as Mortal Kombat and Uncharted.

The evolution of video games in recent years has been remarkable. Unlike their arcade predecessors, a significant number of modern video games now feature compelling narratives that are ripe for adaptation. Games like Bioshock, The Last of Us, Mass Effect, Metal Gear Solid, and others offer expansive, immersive storytelling, making them attractive candidates for cinematic adaptation.

The Fundamental Difference: Interactivity

A key distinguishing factor between video games and other forms of passive entertainment, such as books, theater, comics, or movies, is interactivity. In a video game, the player is an active participant in the narrative, making decisions, and influencing outcomes. This sense of agency is what makes video games so compelling. In the case of a first-person shooter, for example, players choose their position, aim, and shoot—choosing how they play and significantly impacting the outcome.

In comparison, a movie viewer sees pre-determined outcomes and lacks the ability to influence the plot. In a movie, even if viewers feel invested in the story, their actions have no bearing on the narrative. The viewer can only enjoy the visual and aural experiences as the story unfolds, without any influence. This is the reason why a game like Minecraft, which is solely focused on interactive building and exploration, can never be a successful movie.

Moreover, video games aim to provide fun experiences that are engaging and interactive. Even a game without a traditional story, like Minecraft, can be highly engaging for players, who can spend hours building and creating. This fun, engaging experience is in stark contrast to the storytelling and visual spectacle that dominate movies.

This fundamental difference works both ways. Video game adaptations of books or movies often diverge from the original source material, as they cannot maintain the same interactive experience. The stories told in games are fundamentally different from those in films or books, and attempting to replicate the source material would defeat the purpose of interactive entertainment.

For instance, George R.R. Martin’s novels A Song of Ice and Fire could not be accurately adapted into a video game, as the game would lose its interactive element. Similarly, a game based on a book like The Lord of the Rings would need to be a different experience altogether, focusing on interactivity rather than strict adherence to the storyline. This is because the primary goal of a game is to create an engaging and interactive experience, rather than a faithful retelling of a story.

Future Prospects

As the generation that grew up playing video games matures and becomes the primary audience for films and the creators behind them, the industry is poised for a shift. Video games have the potential to dominate the film industry due to the unique interactive experiences they offer. In the coming years, we can expect to see more video games adapted into films, not as direct translations, but as interpretations that capture the essence of the game in a way that still maintains its interactive elements.

Ultimately, video game films will not replace traditional films but will coexist and complement them, providing a new form of entertainment that is immersive, interactive, and personalized. The convergence of these two forms of entertainment will lead to a more diverse and engaging landscape for viewers and players alike.

In conclusion, the future of video game films in the entertainment industry is bright. As the industry continues to evolve and audiences demand more engaging and interactive experiences, video games have the potential to become a major player in Hollywood. The unique interactivity and narrative potential of video games make them a compelling entertainment format, and the coming decades may see a significant transformation in the way we experience films.