Video games are good mediums for storytelling. There are a lot of styles developers and writers can take so players can be fully attached and immersed in a title’s plotline. Some focus on showing their stories through environments players have to traverse into, just like how the Bioshock games have told the rise and fall of Rapture through their first two titles.
Alternatively, some might prefer straightforward gameplay, where players unlock different dialogue options as they progress. Think of Xenoblade Chronicles or older Pokemon titles, where you’re required to clear missions or quests in order so you can see the story unfold. Regardless of how writers will decide to tell their stories, we can all agree not all games really need a TV or movie adaptation. However, super-popular titles do get this treatment.
Not all adaptations were successful, but there are still a select few. From Cyberpunk: Edgerunners to The Last of Us, CNET’s Mark Serrels lists the successful adaptations that got things right, and managed to hook players and regular viewers in their shows. Check the full list here!
Image credit: HBO Max