Second Life
Judging from the list of upcoming titles, Hollywood is pooling its resources and taking risks to radically alter the landscape for game adaptations.
The outlook for upcoming films looks bright. It’s easy to see the action-adventure template of Assassin’s Creed, with its respected cast, attracting audiences at home and abroad. Meanwhile, the big budget CGI spectacle of Warcraft could likewise draw global audiences (catering to the type of fantasy enthusiasts that flocked to see the Hobbit trilogy, which too was a huge hit overseas).
Family-friendly fare such as Angry Birds and Ratchet and Clank see the sub-genre expanding beyond purely live-action adaptations to embrace computer animation. The former may arrive too late to capitalize on its formerly ubiquitous status, but could still prove to be a colourful crowdpleaser (with the aid of its voice cast of a-list comics, including Bill Hader and Josh Gad). Even if it only appeals to younger viewers, Angry Birds could become a sleeper hit similar to Rio – which grossed over $340 million worldwide and spawned a successful sequel. Furthermore, the mobile gaming revolution in China and Japan can only work in its favour.
There are even signs that Hollywood may finally pay tribute to the act of gaming in a credible manner, as Steven Spielberg readies his take on Ready Player One. In yet another example of Hollywood collaborating with individuals who understand the medium, Ready Player One’s author Ernest Cline is adapting his work for the screen.
Finally, if all else fails, there’s always Resident Evil: The Final Chapter. On a serious note, though, perhaps the conclusion to the Resident Evil series is a fitting time for Hollywood to reflect on what went wrong. As one chapter comes to an end, another several are about to begin. This time the players have changed, but the rules remain the same.
