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    18 Video Games That Should Be Adapted Into TV Shows ASAP, Like "The Last Of Us" Was

    Let's get this adaptation train moving!

    The Last of Us may have truly broken the Hollywood curse of video game adaptations. Normally, a TV show or movie adapted from a video game is a critical (and sometimes financial) flop, but TLOU is beloved by critics and fans alike, and has already been renewed by HBO for a second season.

    HBO

    When you consider the recent success of projects like the Sonic the Hedgehog movies (and yes, I'm cautiously optimistic about the new Mario movie as well), it feels like we're entering a new era where video game adaptations are actually good, and not just cash grabs.

    Paramount

    So, now that it's been proven that it can be done, which other video games should get the adaptation treatment? Here are some ideas that Hollywood can have for free:

    1. God of War

    Santa Monica Studios

    What it's about: Kratos — a Spartan general — makes a deal with Ares — the god of war — to defeat his enemies in battle. But after a tragic twist of fate, Kratos becomes enraged at Ares and vows to kill the god of war, even if he has to fight through the entire pantheon of gods to do it. In the 2018 sequel/reboot, Kratos is living in exile in Midgard when an encounter with a Norse god puts his — and his son's — life at risk.

    Why it would work: To me, this is hands-down the most promising video game story in terms of a potential TV adaptation, and Hollywood knows it: Sony is currently working with Amazon on a live-action series. What'll be interesting is how the story is approached: IMO, you can't have the "new" God of War (the 2018 version set in Norse mythology, that is) without the proper backdrop of the "old" God of War (which was set in Greek mythology and was — generally — a little cringe in its forced edginess). However, the 2018 God of War has the far superior story and the much easier path to adaptation.

    2. The Legend of Zelda

    Link holding his sword and shield and fighting an enemy in Breath of the Wild
    Nintendo / Via play.nintendo.com

    What it's about: At this point, you've probably heard about Link and Zelda, but basically any LoZ game boils down to this: The kingdom is under threat from the evil Ganon, and Link must go on a quest to defeat him.

    Why it would work: There were rumors of a live-action series a while back that set the internet on fire, but alas, they were just rumors. Hopefully, we'll someday get a series that makes up for the old LoZ animated TV show, which was... not good. By now, the lore and characters have been so fleshed out and re-imagined in so many ways that a writer would have many options to pull from for a series or movie.

    3. Destiny

    A titan, hunter, and warlock decked out in armor and holding weapons in Destiny
    Bungie / Via press.bungie.com

    What it's about: In the far future, humanity has been visited by the Traveler — an alien being that grants incredible gifts. One of those gifts is the Light, which gives chosen individuals superhuman powers and practical immortality. But there are several factions of alien species determined to either take the Traveler for themselves, or destroy it outright.

    Why it would work: This would be tricky, since the Destiny series of games are a bit inaccessible as far as the lore goes. But that's just because there's SO MUCH lore! And it's really good! The world-building is great in these games, and so are the characters, so as long as you can present it all in a way that's accessible, it could be amazing. My guess is you'd just have to introduce only one evil alien faction at a time, since there are more than five of them.

    4. BioShock

    2K Games

    What it's about: In the 1940s, a businessman by the name of Andrew Ryan builds an impossible city at the bottom of the ocean called Rapture. Due to wealth disparities and infighting over special tonics that grant superhuman powers, Rapture's society collapses, and the city becomes a dangerous wasteland. You play as Jack, a ship passenger in 1960 who happens upon the city and must find his way back out.

    Why it would work: This art-deco-steampunk-retrofuturistic story has one of the best video game plot twists of all time, not to mention incredible world-building. So, it's a no-brainer for an adaptation — which is why there's currently a movie in the works at Netflix. Hopefully, it's done well, but TBH I would've made it as a series instead of a movie.

    5. Mass Effect

    Bioware

    What it's about: In the far future, humanity has made huge technological leaps and spread across the galaxy. But the arrival of the Reapers — a machine race that eradicates organic life — means that the alliance of humans and aliens must find a way to survive.

    Why it would work: This franchise has some of the best-reviewed games of all time and is super story-driven, so it makes sense that there were plans for an adaptation as early as 2010. However, the project got stuck in development hell and never went forward. There may be a new attempt at a series coming soon from Amazon, though.

    6. Horizon Zero Dawn

    Sony

    What it's about: Aloy, a young hunter from a tribe that eschews technology, sets out to explore and discover secrets about the past in a world that is overrun by sentient machines.

    Why it would work: Here's another one with twists and turns, excellent world-building, and a compelling protagonist. There's plenty of existing story to turn into a live-action series, especially considering the fact that a sequel to this game came out just last year.

    7. Assassin's Creed