Hollywood Turns to Video Games for Fresh Content as Interest in Comic Book Adaptations Declines

The trend of adapting video games into movies and TV shows is on the rise in Hollywood, with seven major film releases in 2023 based on popular video games like “Grand Turismo” and “Five Nights at Freddy’s.” According to The Wall Street Journal, at least 19 television shows based on video games debuted last year, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down.

One of the standout successes of this trend was “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” which brought in an impressive $1.36 billion in 2023, making it the second highest-grossing film of the year behind “Barbie.” This success highlights a shift in audience interest away from traditional comic book adaptations, with superhero films experiencing a 42% decline in domestic box office revenue in 2023.

Despite the success of video game adaptations, there is caution among video game studios about the potential risks of compromising their intellectual properties through adaptations. Netflix’s cancellation of “Resident Evil” after just one season in 2022 due to poor audience reception serves as a cautionary tale for studios.

Game and film studios are now actively engaging with gaming communities on platforms like Discord and Reddit to gather feedback and ensure that adaptations resonate with fans. Young gamers appreciate small nods to the source material, known as “easter eggs,” in adaptations, which can enhance their viewing experience.

As Hollywood continues to explore the world of video game adaptations, the key to success lies in striking a balance between honoring the original source material and creating a compelling narrative that appeals to both fans and general audiences.