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The new series“Fallout“, created by Amazon based on the famous series of computer games, unexpectedly received unexpectedly high audience reviews and a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. And influenced the return of players to the games of this franchise. This success underscores the growing trend of video game series adaptations, which has been gaining momentum in recent years. Video games, with their rich narratives and deeply developed universes, are ideal candidates for small screen adaptations. Adaptations of games such as“The Witcher” (The Witcher), ” Arcane” (Arcane) and ” Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” (Cyberpunk : Edgerunners) have already gained popularity and recognition and have demonstrated how effectively the gaming experience can be transferred to a non-interactive format, while maintaining the attention and passion of the audience.
Here are seven other series based on computer games that may have missed your attention (and that needs to be fixed).
“The Witcher”
- Game: “The Witcher”
- Published: 2019
- Platform: Netflix
The Witcher series, which debuted on Netflixin December 2019, quickly became one of the most popular series on the platform. The series is based on a series of books by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, as well as popular video games from CD Projekt Red. The central character, Geralt of Rivia, played by Henry Cavill, is a witcher – a mutated monster hunter who travels the medieval world known as the Continent. The series also focuses on other key characters, including Yennefer of Vengerberg, a powerful sorceress (Anya Chalotra), and Princess Ciri (Freya Allan). The musical score, including the famous song “Toss a Coin to Your Witcher”, became popular among fans. The Witcher has received acclaim for its impressive special effects, complex action sequences and deep narrative.
Interesting fact: Henry Cavill, who plays Geralt, is a big fan of both the Witcher book series and the CD Projekt Red video games. Cavill actively pursued the role of Geralt, convinced that he was perfect for the character because of his deep understanding of the world and motivations of Geralt of Rivia.
“Arcane”
- Game: “League of Legends”
- Release year: 2021
- Platform: Netflix
“Arcane” is an animated series based on the video game universe“League of Legends” by Riot Games. The series was released on Netflix in November 2021 and quickly gained popularity and praise from critics, in particular due to its detailed graphics and deep plot. The story focuses on the fate of two sisters, Vi and Poweli (Jinx), whose life paths divided as a result of the tragic events in the city of Zaun. The series was created and developed by Alex Yee and Christian Linke from Riot Games, who acted as executive producers, and the French studio Fortiche Production played a special role in the animation. who was responsible for the visual style of the series. The musical score, which contains elements of electronic music and orchestral compositions, also played a key role in creating Arcane's unique atmosphere. The series was widely recognized for its innovativeness in the animation genre and its ability to immerse viewers in a rich emotional world.
Interesting Fact: The Arcane series has become famous for its unique visual style that combines 3D modeling with traditional 2D animation. This innovative imaging technique produces detailed and expressive images that add depth and texture to the world of League of Legends.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
- Game: “Cyberpunk 2077”
- Release year: 2022
- Platform: Netflix
“Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” is an animated series based on the universe of the video game “Cyberpunk 2077” by CD Projekt Red. The series was released on Netflix in 2022 and received acclaim for its unique visual style and gripping storyline. The story revolves around a young man named David Martinez, who becomes a mercenary in an attempt to survive in the dangerous metropolis of Night City.
The series was developed in partnership between CD Projekt Red and Japanese animation studio Studio Trigger. The project was executive produced by Rafał Jaki from CD Projekt and Masahiko Ōtsuka from Studio Trigger. The project was directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi, known for his work on Gurren Lagann and Kill la Kill. Musical accompaniment was provided by Akira Yamaoka, known for his compositions for the Silent Hill series of games. “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” features dynamic combat scenes and vibrant, rich graphics that reflect the character and atmosphere of the game “Cyberpunk 2077”.
Fun Fact: The bright colors, dynamic animation, and extreme perspectives help convey the chaotic and energetic atmosphere of Night City, the central setting of the series.
Castlevania
- Game: “Castlevania”
- Published: 2017
- Platform: Netflix
“Castlevania” is an animated series based on the Konami video game series of the same name. The series debuted on Netflix in 2017 and was warmly received by critics and viewers for its dramatic storyline and high-quality animation. The story follows Trevor Belmont, the last member of a cursed clan of vampire hunters, as he tries to save Eastern Europe from the threat of the vampire Dracula.
The series was written by Warren Ellis, a renowned British comics and book writer recognized for his ability to create deep and complex storylines. The project was directed by Sam Deats, under whose leadership the series acquired a special atmosphere and visual style. The Castlevania series is celebrated for its attention to detail, masterful combat depiction, and ability to seamlessly blend traditional gothic horror motifs with modern animated storytelling.
Fun Fact: The Castlevania series of games is known for its gothic atmosphere and themes, which include castles, vampires, and other elements of European folklore. This atmosphere was successfully carried over into the animated series, where the dark aesthetic and narrative complexity were maintained.
Halo
- Game: “Halo”
- Release year: 2022
- Platform: Paramount+
The Halo series, based on the Microsoft video game series of the same name, debuted on the Paramount+ streaming service in 2022. This sci-fi saga is set in a universe where humanity is waging a desperate war against a mysterious alliance of alien races known as the Covenant. The main character, Master Chief, portrayed by Pablo Schreiber, is a super-soldier who becomes a key figure in this war.
The series was produced by Kiki Wolfkill's Keelin Dylan and Frank O'Connor, who are part of the team behind 343 Industries, the studio behind the Halo universe. The series also had major contributions from Steven Spielberg, who served as executive producer through his production company Amblin Television. Directing duties were taken over by Otto Bathurst, known for his work on Black Mirror. “Halo” features high-quality visuals, complex characters, and a deeply crafted narrative that expands upon the established gaming universe.
Fun Fact: Cortana, the AI from the Halo series, became so popular that Microsoft used her name and concept for its voice assistant, which helps users manage operating systems and carry out everyday tasks, strengthening its brand in the technology sector.
Resident Evil
- Game: “Resident Evil”
- Release year: 2022
- Platform: Netflix
Resident Evil is a 2022 Netflix series based on the Capcom video game series of the same name, known for its horror and survival elements. The series explores a new story in the Resident Evil universe, focusing on Albert Wesker's daughters, Jade and Billie, in a world plagued by the T virus, which turns people and animals into zombies. Behind the creation of the series is Andrew Dabb, who is known for his work on Supernatural and acted as the screenwriter and showrunner of the project. The series is executive produced by Mary Leah Sutton, Robert Kulzer and Oliver Berben.
Interesting fact: The “Resident Evil” series of games is known for pioneering the “survival horror” genre and significantly influencing the development of this genre in video games, combining puzzles, exploration, resource management and combat in an atmosphere of complete tension and fear.
The Last of Us
- Game: “The Last of Us”
- Release year: 2023
- Platform: HBO Max
“The Last of Us” is a television series adapted from the Naughty Dog video game of the same name, which was released on HBO in 2023. The series tells the story of Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, and Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey. They travel through a post-apocalyptic America devastated by a fungal pandemic. The series was created by Neil Druckmann, co-creator of the original game, and Craig Mazin, known for his work on the Chernobyl series. They acted as main writers and executive producers. The music for the series was composed by Gustavo Santaolalla, who also composed the soundtrack for the video game.
Interesting fact: After the release of the first episode of “The Last of Us”, this episode became one of the highest rated episodes on IMDb, receiving almost universal recognition as one of the best TV series debuts in recent years.
Dry residue
Making television series based on video games opens up new possibilities for storytelling, allowing us to become more immersed in the immersive worlds that games were originally made for. Series like Halo, Arcane or The Last of Us have shown that gaming stories can appeal to many people, offering not only fun, but also deep feeling and thought. We can expect the new series to be just as entertaining, and with each new show, the stories from the games are getting closer to the films. Thanks to new technologies and greater interest in games, the future of such series looks very exciting, promising many new adventures and discoveries.
In the world of video game adaptations, more and more exciting projects are emerging that promise to attract the attention of game and film fans. For example, Netflix is preparing new series based on popular game franchises:
Assassin's Creed is a story about a mysterious competition between two ancient organizations – the Assassins and the Templars. This series promises to immerse viewers in a deep world of historical adventures with elements of fantasy. Netflix is taking over the production of this project, so you can expect high quality production and a deep exploration of the game universe.
Tomb Raider continues to tell the story of Lara Croft, the indestructible hunter of antiquities. Lara will take on the task of uncovering ancient secrets and fighting sinister forces. The Netflix series has the potential to recreate the fast-paced, emotionally charged adventures that fans have come to love in gaming.
Splinter Cell is the story of Sam Fisher, a special forces agent who carries out the most difficult tasks in the whole world. Netflix plans to turn Fisher's story into an animated series that will delve deeper into the complex world of espionage and modern technology.
For those who want to know more