No Film or Series Adaptations Should Be Made Off of a Video Game—And Here’s Why

Video games are an art form unto themselves, built upon interactive storytelling, player agency, and immersive world-building. But whenever Hollywood attempts to translate these experiences onto the big screen or into television series, something essential is lost. While many fans eagerly anticipate adaptations of their favorite games, history has shown time and time again that these projects often fail to capture the magic of the original medium.

The Immersion Problem

Video games excel at immersing players into a world where they are actively making choices, experiencing the journey firsthand. A film or series, however, removes that interactivity entirely, turning the player into a passive observer. Take Red Dead Redemption—what makes it compelling isn’t just its gripping story but also the freedom to explore the open world, make moral decisions, and shape the protagonist’s fate. A linear adaptation wouldn’t be able to replicate those elements, leaving a hollow version of the experience behind.

Narrative Limitations

Many games are designed with expansive narratives that unfold over dozens of hours, allowing for deeper character development and intricate storytelling. Even a well-executed movie adaptation is restricted to two hours, forcing major plot points to be condensed or entirely cut. The Mass Effect trilogy, for example, spans a vast galaxy with numerous characters, lore, and player-driven story choices. A single film adaptation would barely scratch the surface of what makes the game special.

The "Hollywood Effect"

When video games are adapted, they are often subject to major changes to appeal to a broader audience—which can lead to fundamental misunderstandings of the source material. Resident Evil transformed into an action-heavy spectacle, diverging from the survival horror tone of the games. Halo stripped away essential aspects of the Master Chief’s character and lore to fit a more conventional sci-fi TV mold. In both cases, fans were left disappointed by changes that betrayed what made the franchises great.

Gaming Has Evolved Beyond the Need for Hollywood

Once upon a time, video game adaptations felt necessary to legitimize the medium. But games now boast cinematic visuals, intricate storytelling, and AAA production values that rival Hollywood blockbusters. Why settle for a watered-down adaptation when you can experience the real thing? Titles like The Last of Us, God of War, and Cyberpunk 2077 already provide movie-quality narratives without sacrificing the interactive experience that makes them unique.

Conclusion

While some video game adaptations have been more successful in recent years (Arcane and The Last of Us come to mind), the vast majority fail to capture the essence of their source material. Video games thrive because they allow players to shape their own experience, something that film and television simply cannot replicate. Instead of forcing these adaptations, perhaps Hollywood should focus on original stories while letting games shine in their own medium.

What do you think—are there exceptions to this argument, or do you agree that gaming should remain separate from the silver screen?