The relationship between cinema and literature is extensive. That of the seventh art with the narratives inspired by comics is constantly enriched. Beyond the artistic value of the work, these are stories that can be adapted to other formats. In this constant search for stories, one of the most recent sources for cinema are video games, with franchises such as The Last of Us generating high anticipation heading into 2023 with its series adaptation for HBO.
Throughout the past few years, the growth of the industry. gaming was one of the factors that led to the interest in cinema. It should be noted that, during 2022 alone, this sector recorded revenues in excess of 200 billion dollars. This boom has gone hand in hand with technological evolution and a change in mentality regarding this entertainment option. Not so long ago, video games were seen as controversial – and even harmful – to global society.
Today, they are increasingly accepted and recognized. They are a valid option for enjoyment and professional development. Along with this paradigm shift, the possibility also opened up for this universe of stories to be represented on the big screen. However, video games in cinema have involved different complications and the results have left more doubts than certainties. This is influenced by some key aspects.
Distinct narrative spaces
The moviegoer usually has an idea of what he will see when he enters the theater. Either by the trailer, reading the synopsis or even a review. Some are aware, while there are others who take it in a lighter way. Regardless of their degree of engagement, both audiences share a similar experience: they are in a collective act for a specific time.
This encounter is influenced by the entire “cinema experience.” From choosing the movie, to buying the treats, to plunging into the darkened room to laugh, cry, or be moved by strangers. Instead, video gaming remains an individual activity. Even when it is possible to play in multiplayer, it is usually in personal spaces, without having an immediate and clear reference on what can happen with who is on the other side of the screen, especially if you play online.
The relationship to format and space influences the understanding of the narrative. While a movie is consumed in one go, the video game can be approached progressively. Something that hinders the enjoyment of video games in the cinema. A movie has the collective factor as a value, while consoles are something more personal. In one case, the viewer is a passive subject; in the other he is an active user.
Video games in cinema and television:
a pending challenge
Although it may seem like a no-brainer, when assessing video game adaptations in film or television it is feasible to forget that they are different narrative formats. Starting from that point, the representation that is made can -and perhaps should- be faithful to the source that inspired it. But this does not mean that it has to be an exact replica because, due to its characteristics, it is not possible.
While video games are inherently interactive, in adaptation this experience is different, as a passive observer. Through a console, the relationship can even be a physical experience. This is what happened with the Nintendo Wii, launched in 2006. The user could not only play with Roger Federer -to cite one of the thousands of possible examples-. He could also, due to the characteristics of this console, make him play like the Swiss.
This is relevant because it alters your relationship with the game, builds it, feeds it, shapes it. It is not the same to be playing Resident Evil and be surprised by an unexpected threat while the controller vibrates and you risk losing your life, than to watch it happen from a distance. When, in addition, video games in the cinema are not usually well recreated.
Next January 15 will be released The Last of Us. Although the year has just begun, it is already considered one of the most anticipated series of 2023. This is influenced by the video game tradition – one of the most important franchises in the industry. gamer– and the production company in charge of the project, HBO. If you take into account that the budget allocated was higher than that of several seasons of Game of Thronesit is not too difficult to think that the company is aware of the challenge it faces: to respond to a captive and critical audience.
Expectations with The Last of Us y God of War
This is a fandom to which messages such as the following from Neil Druckmann, the programmer of The Last of Us: “it will be the best and most authentic adaptation of a game.”. Although this comment should be taken with a pinch of salt.
So did Craig Mazin, the other creative mind behind the series: “That’s not the highest bar in the world,” as he told The New Torker. Mazin is not wrong: video game recreations in film or television format do not have a positive track record.
Within the world of video games in the cinema, television and the streaming, another of the franchises that is starting to make noise is God of War. Like The Last of Usa story that has a long and favorable reputation within the universe. gamer.
From 2005, when it was introduced by Sony, to the present, its growth has been steady: God of War: Ragnarök was one of the top winners at The Game Awards and more than a few critics consider it to be the best of 2022.
Sign up for HBO Max and you will have access to the best exclusive series and movies like The Wire, The Sopranos o Game of Thrones. Includes the entire Warner catalog, Cartoon Network classics and major releases.
With that prestige on its shoulders, Amazon Prime Video is working on the adaptation. live-action of the video game in the cinema. There is still not much information about it. Both The Last of Us like God of War have a narrative base that can -and should- be key in the development of the stories. That is their strength, not their spectacularity or image quality. If they make it to the streaming or the big screen respecting that, it may be that the reputation of these experiments will change progressively in the coming years.