Why Video Game Adaptations Are Hollywood’s New Obsession

For decades, Hollywood has tried — and mostly failed — to turn video games into successful movies and TV shows. Early attempts were riddled with bad scripts, poor CGI, and a fundamental misunderstanding of what made the games great in the first place. But something has shifted.

In the last few years, adaptations like The Last of Us and Arcane have proven that video games can translate into prestige television, while box office hits like Five Nights at Freddy’s have shattered expectations. The formula is no longer about cramming game mechanics into a movie — it’s about respecting the stories, worlds, and fan bases that made these franchises popular in the first place.

Now, with Minecraft, Mortal Kombat 2, and The Legend of Zelda on the way, video game adaptations are no longer a Hollywood experiment. They’re a full-blown takeover. And if the success of recent hits is any indication, the best is yet to come.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the biggest gaming adaptations on the horizon — and why Hollywood is finally getting them right.

Minecraft Movie 2025

Why Minecraft?

At a glance, Minecraft might seem like an unconventional choice for a movie adaptation. Unlike narrative-rich games such as The Last of Us, Minecraft is a blank canvas, offering players limitless possibilities but no fixed plot. However, this open-endedness is likely exactly what makes it such an exciting prospect for a filmmaker. The boundless creativity, sense of adventure, and infinite potential let a story head in any direction. Doing so while still capturing the game’s essence will be the real challenge.

Beyond its storytelling possibilities, Minecraft’s massive and diverse fanbase is a major draw. The game’s appeal spans generations, from young children to longtime adult players and even casual fans who’ve only dabbled in the universe. This broad reach no doubt makes it a commercially promising venture, especially given the recent success of other game-to-movie adaptations.

What We Know So Far:

• Title: A Minecraft Movie 
• Release date: April 4, 2025
• Director: Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre, Thelma the Unicorn)
• Stars: Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Emma Myers, and Danielle Brooks
• Plot: A group of misfits is transported into the Minecraft Overworld, embarking on a quest to defeat the Ender Dragon and return home

Imagining the Blocky World on Screen

One of the most intriguing aspects of A Minecraft Movie is how it will visually translate the game’s pixelated, blocky look — especially when combined with real actors. The trailer suggests a stylized hybrid approach, blending realistic elements with recognizable Minecraft features.

For one, the scale of the world has been visibly altered. Regular Minecraft blocks are known to be one cubic meter in size, meaning they’d look quite large next to an average human, and be quite a challenge for someone to scale. Sadly, not all of us can jump like Minecraft’s Steve. As such, it makes sense that they’ve been shrunk down a little. 

In fact, judging by the trailer, blocks will come in various shapes and sizes (which doesn’t happen in the game). It’s clear the creators are taking some artistic liberties for the sake of simplifying things, although hopefully they don’t stray too far from what makes Minecraft Minecraft.

Minecraft’s varied biomes offer unique landscapes, from lush forests, snow-capped mountains, and sprawling deserts, meaning there’s plenty of potential for breathtaking scenery. The film could also explore the game’s more fantastical realms like the Nether or End dimension, providing some more unique backdrops.

The iconic creatures of Minecraft’s world will also be crucial to the adaptation’s success. The filmmakers’ interpretation of staple mobs like Creepers, Endermen, and Villagers will be as important as the environments themselves in terms of fan appreciation. If there’s one thing video game fans can be, it’s demanding, but the latest trailer (seen above) shows a fair bit of promise. 

Other Exciting Adaptations to Watch

The success of recent video game adaptations has paved the way for a slew of upcoming films and series that promise to captivate both gamers and general audiences. Here’s a look at some of the most anticipated projects on the horizon:

Confirmed Movie Adaptations

Until Dawn

Release date: April 25, 2025

Director: David F. Sandberg (Lights Out, Shazam!)

Cast: Ella Rubin, Michael Cimino, Odessa A’zion, Ji-young Yoo, Belmont Cameli, Maia Mitchell, Peter Stormare

Synopsis: One year after her sister Melanie vanishes, Clover leads friends into a remote valley to uncover the truth. Exploring an abandoned visitor center, they’re murdered by a masked killer—only to wake up trapped in a time loop, forced to relive the night. Each cycle introduces new horrors (slashers, monsters, psychological threats), with the group realizing they have limited “lives” to survive until dawn.

It’s certainly not an exact copy of the game’s plot, which serves much more as a general inspiration for the movie, but it’s an interesting premise.

Mortal Kombat 2

Release date: October 24, 2025

Director: Simon McQuoid

Synopsis: The brutal tournament of champions returns as Earthrealm warriors prepare for another high-stakes battle against Outworld’s fiercest fighters. With the first movie teasing characters like Johnny Cage, you can expect even more fatalities, bone-crushing action, and over-the-top martial arts madness.

Five Nights at Freddy’s 2

Release date: December 5, 2025

Director: Emma Tammi

Cast: Josh Hutcherson (returning as Mike Schmidt), Elizabeth Lail, Matthew Lillard, Mary Stuart Masterson

Synopsis: Following the $290M global success of the first film, this sequel doubles down on the horror and lore of Scott Cawthon’s iconic game series. New animatronic threats like Toy Freddy join the roster as Mike Schmidt returns to uncover darker secrets behind Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. Expect more jump scares, twisted corporate conspiracies, and a deeper dive into the franchise’s haunted arcade mythology.

Return to Silent Hill

Release date: October 17, 2025

Director: Christophe Gans (Silent Hill 2006)

Synopsis: Based on Silent Hill 2, this psychological horror film follows James Sunderland as he ventures into the fog-shrouded town to find his deceased wife, only to confront grotesque manifestations of his guilt. Early footage shown at Comic-Con 2024 confirmed appearances of Pyramid Head and the iconic Nurse enemies.

Ghost of Tsushima

Status: In development

Director: Chad Stahelski (John Wick series)

Synopsis: The open-world samurai adventure is being adapted into a film, following the story of Jin Sakai as he embraces the way of the Ghost to fight back against the Mongol invasion of Tsushima. With Stahelski’s experience in choreographing high-energy fight sequences, this is likely to be one of the most visually stunning and action-packed game adaptations yet.

Helldivers

Status: In development

Director: TBA

Synopsis: The fast-paced, cooperative gameplay of Helldivers is heading to the big screen, bringing its chaotic, satirical take on galactic warfare to life. Expect intense action, team-based strategy, and plenty of tongue-in-cheek humor as elite soldiers fight to protect “Super Earth.”

The Legend of Zelda

Status: In development

Director: TBA

Synopsis: Nintendo’s most legendary hero, Link, is finally making his way to the silver screen. While details remain scarce, fans are hoping for an epic fantasy adventure that captures the magic, dungeons, and lore of The Legend of Zelda series. Will it be live-action? Will it embrace the game’s iconic visual style? Time will tell.

Confirmed/Continued TV Show Adaptations

The Last of Us (Season 2)

Platform: HBO

Release date: April 2025

Synopsis: Following the critical and commercial success of its first season, The Last of Us is back for another harrowing chapter based on the events of The Last of Us Part II. Revenge, love, and the brutal reality of survival in a post-apocalyptic world will all be explored, along with new characters and even bigger emotional stakes. Fans should prepare for another heart-wrenching journey.

God of War

Platform: Amazon Prime Video

Status: In development

Synopsis: The tale of Kratos, the vengeful Spartan warrior turned Norse god, is being brought to life in a new TV series. With a surprisingly emotional narrative, brutal combat, and larger-than-life mythology, the adaptation has the potential to explore Kratos’ transformation from a rage-fueled destroyer to a father struggling to guide his son, Atreus.

Fallout (Season 2)

Platform: Amazon Prime Video

Status: In development

Synopsis: A live-action adaptation of Fallout is bringing the retro-futuristic wasteland to life, complete with Vault Dwellers, mutated creatures, and warring factions. Fans of the series can expect a mix of dark humor, moral dilemmas, and over-the-top action that stays true to the game’s signature tone. Season 1 received critical acclaim, so hopes are high for season 2.

Arcane Spin-offs

Platform: Most likely Netflix

Status: In development

Synopsis: While the Arcane team says there’ll be no season 3, the world of League of Legends is vast, and Arcane’s success has opened the door for new spin-offs exploring different regions and characters of Runeterra. Arcane’s co-creator has confirmed that several spin-off shows are in development, but nothing beyond that is currently known. However, expect more beautifully animated storytelling that dives deep into the game’s lore.

Castlevania: Nocturne Season 2

Platform: Netflix

Release date: January 16, 2025

Synopsis: The critically acclaimed Castlevania spin-off returns with Richter Belmont and Annette battling Dracula’s resurrection in 1792 France. Season 2 expands the Revolutionary War-era conflict, introducing fan-favorite characters like Alucard and exploring Richter’s lineage. Showrunner Clive Bradley confirmed the season will adapt elements of both Rondo of Blood and Symphony of the Night, blending gothic horror with political intrigue.

Devil May Cry 

Platform: Netflix

Release date: April 25, 2025

Cast: Johnny Yong Bosch (voice of Dante), Suzie Yeung (Nero)

Synopsis: From Castlevania showrunner Adi Shankar, this anime reboot retells Dante’s origins as a demon-hunting mercenary. The 8-episode season adapts Devil May Cry 3, featuring over-the-top swordplay, motorcycle-sword hybrid weapons, and a punk-rock soundtrack. Studio Mir (behind the fantastic Legend of Korra) handles animation, blending cel-shaded action with the series’ trademark campy dialogue.

Why This Trend Continues

Fundamentally, video games offer rich pre-existing narratives and immersive worlds, making them ripe for adaptation. Perhaps more importantly for the teams behind these projects, they’re able to tap into passionate existing fanbases that have a proven love for digital media. This can make swallowing the high up-front costs of developing what is bound to be an expensive endeavour a little more palatable to those throwing the funds around.

They also often appeal to both younger gamers and older fans who may have grown up with these franchises. For those who might not have the time to game extensively anymore, movies and series provide an accessible way to stay connected to beloved worlds, often serving as family-friendly entertainment that parents and their kids can enjoy together.

With so many adaptations in the works, it’s clear that gaming-inspired media is here to stay. Whether you’re watching or playing, there’s never been a better time to be a fan of video games and their stories.

How PIA Enhances Both Viewing and Gaming

As gaming and streaming become more intertwined, a reliable connection matters more than ever. Whether you’re streaming in HD, playing online without lag, or accessing region-locked content, a VPN can help make sure nothing gets in the way. Here’s how Private Internet Access enhances both gaming and streaming.

Streaming Benefits of a VPN

• Watch gaming adaptations from anywhere: PIA allows you to access your favorite streaming content while traveling or living in regions other than your own.
• Smooth, uninterrupted HD/4K streaming: VPNs like PIA encrypts your connection and helps avoid ISP throttling, preventing buffering during a heated binge-watching session.
• Works across multiple devices: Whether you’re streaming on a smart TV, PC, mobile device, or gaming console, our streaming VPN is easy to set up and ensures reliable access to platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu.

Gaming Benefits of a VPN

• Connect to optimal multiplayer servers: A PIA VPN allows you to select different server locations while gaming, offering flexibility when looking for lower-latency connections or playing with international friends.
• Early access: You can use a VPN to access games or updates that release at different times across regions.
• Avoid ISP interference in online gaming: Some internet providers may deprioritize gaming traffic or generally throttle connections, leading to unpredictable ping spikes. With PIA, users can mitigate these slowdowns.
• Protection against DDoS attacks: VPN encryption shields you from targeted attacks that could otherwise disrupt online matches or competitive play.
• Quick and easy setup for gaming: Works on PC, consoles, and mobile devices, and can even be installed at the router level for full network coverage.

Future Outlook for Video Games and Adaptations

Video games and their adaptations are perhaps in the best spot they’ve ever been, finding increasingly more synergy as they’re seen for the creative (and financial) goldmines that they are. On one side, studios are leveraging gaming franchises to create deeper connections between movies, TV shows, and games. On the other, developers are exploring in-game crossovers, interactive storytelling, and multi-platform experiences that immerse fans in their favorite franchises in new ways.

More Synergy Between Games and Their Adaptations

One growing trend is incorporating in-game content linked to adaptations. For instance, CD Projekt Red introduced armor and quests inspired by The Witcher Netflix series in a Witcher 3 update, allowing players to earn show-inspired gear through gameplay. Cyberpunk 2077 added free content based on the Edgerunners anime, including weapons and cosmetics.

Halo Infinite released armor coatings and helmets modeled after the Paramount+ Halo series’ Spartans, which were unlocked via timed in-game challenges during Season 2’s launch. 

League of Legends also embraced the success of Netflix’s Arcane by introducing themed skins tied to both seasons of the show. Riot Games initially offered free skins for main characters like Vi and Jinx through in-game events, although they later expanded the collection with purchasable options. The 2024 release of Arcane Season 2 brought an even larger set of character skins.

Fortnite, known for its frequent collaborations with various media IPs, hosted a Marvel’s Nexus War event featuring a playable Galactus boss battle during MCU Phase 4 promotions. 

The Rise of Cross-Media Storytelling

The MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) is perhaps the largest and best-known implementation of a shared media universe of connected movies and TV shows. In many cases, it’s necessary (or heavily encouraged) to watch multiple entries in the series, as new releases build on existing storylines and character arcs.

While there’s nothing anywhere near the scale of the MCU in terms of video games and related adaptations, the concept has some potential. There’s something to be said about switching between the passive TV-watching experience and jumping directly into a continuation of that story with the agency only a game can provide. 

Some past examples, like The Matrix and its companion game Enter the Matrix, experimented with this idea way back in 2003. The game featured live-action cutscenes with some of the movie’s lead actors, exclusive to the game, that connected directly to the movie. Future adaptations could expand on this, allowing game narratives to shape film or TV plots and vice versa. A game’s storyline could become essential to understanding a movie’s plot, making the experience more engaging across multiple mediums.

However, this would have to be done with some care and nuance, since it could ruin the experience for people unable or unwilling to play the games themselves. 

Interactive Viewing Experiences

Interactive content is another possible avenue for video game adaptations to explore. Black Mirror: Bandersnatch showed us that influencing a show’s story through your choices can be a novel way of driving audience engagement. This concept could do well to extend to certain gaming adaptations, especially since many games already feature branching plotlines depending on decisions the player makes. 

The gaming industry has already experimented with this format, as seen in Telltale’s Minecraft: Story Mode adaptation for Netflix, which allowed viewers to make decisions that affected the plot.

However, the narratives in these interactive adaptations have often been mediocre — creating a high-quality story within this format seems to be quite a challenge. The complexity of balancing meaningful choices with a cohesive plot often results in shallow storytelling or overly simplistic decision trees. Nonetheless, given the right source material and team, this format could work well.

Merchandise Unlocking In-Game Content

Merchandise is also evolving to create stronger connections between adaptations and games. Similar to Disney Infinity, where physical toys unlocked in-game characters, future adaptations could feature collectible items that grant exclusive digital content. Movie tickets could even include codes for in-game cosmetics, weapons, or story elements, further blending the digital and physical experience and incentivizing taking part in the different mediums. 

The Role of VPNs in the Future of Gaming & Streaming

As gaming adaptations and their source material become ever more intertwined, VPNs are likely to play a unique and important role in the experience. They can prove essential for participating in global launch events, accessing region-specific in-game content tied to adaptations, or maintaining a stable connection during high-traffic streaming premieres. 

Whether you use it for access to your favorite media or simply to keep your device and data secure, it’s a fantastic piece of kit to have in your toolbelt.