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The most anticipated TV series based on video games

Full-length film adaptations of video games still sometimes limp on both legs and occasionally go to production hell. But TV series are doing better. For example, ‘Arkane’, ‘One of Us’, and the recent Fallout have earned decent ratings and instantly burst into memes - which, as we already know, is a clear sign of success. And in general, the interest in video games on the part of major players is growing, and on the way - not only fiction, but also documentary works. For example, in December, Amazon's Secret Level, a show dedicated to video game universes, will be released, featuring Armored Core, The Outer Worlds, God of War, and many other hit games.

Arcane (Season 2)

The first season of ‘Arcane’ was one of the most pleasant surprises among 2021's series premieres. It would seem that the League of Legends adaptation was only worth waiting for fans, but everyone loved it in general. The excellent soundtrack, inventive visual style, elaborate universe, and fascinating plot won over both viewers and critics. On the wave of popularity of the series, some uninitiated people even tried to start playing LoL, but they didn't get exactly what they expected.

It's no wonder that ‘Arcane’, the first season of which ended on the most intriguing moment, got a sequel. The confrontation between the sisters Jinx and Vi, who found themselves on opposite sides of the barricades in the dark steampunk universe, should end in October 2024. However, not so long ago there was a leak, and five episodes of the series appeared online, but do not watch them yet: they are not finished special effects, and the quality leaves much to be desired.

By the way, if you're looking for a bit of excitement outside the gaming world, Crusino might be just the thing to spice up your day!

One of Us (2 season)

Date of world premiere: 2025

The first season of ‘One of Us,’ which tells the story of the beginning of the mushrooming zombie apocalypse, received record viewership ratings and became one of the highest-rated video game adaptations. Among other things, the series boasted an impressive cast (even brought in a whole Pedro Pascal as Joel), as well as excellent drama (thanks in large part to Craig Maisin, author of the mini-series Chernobyl).

The sequel is based on The Last of Us Part II, which, despite its merits, drew conflicting reactions from players. However, the creators of the series hint that the story will be ‘radically different from the game’ in some places (the first season also had a lot of changes). Well, we can only wait and hope. It won't be long now: filming has already finished, and the release is scheduled for 2025.

Like a Dragon: Beyond the Game

World Premiere Date: 24 October 2024

The Yakuza series of games, in which players had to make their way through the Japanese underworld time after time, grew out of ‘yakuza eiga,’ the crime cinema of Japan in the ‘70s. The genre isn't as popular now, but the circle is closing nonetheless - this October, Amazon Prime Video is releasing a TV series based on the series.

The film adaptation is based on the very first instalment of Yakuza. The story spans two timelines and shows the formation of Kazuma Kiryu, familiar to video game fans. Of course, the honest and fair protagonist is pushed down a slippery slope by nothing more than a sense of duty. He must protect his childhood friends, and he will stop at nothing to do so. The main role is played by Ryoma Takeuchi, well known in his home country (and not so much in the rest of the world).

Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft

World premiere date: 10 October 2024

Tomb Raider game adaptations have never been benchmarks, but they haven't been 100 per cent flops either. Apparently Netflix still saw potential in the franchise, so in 2021 it ordered an animated series based on it. The story will fill the gap between the original Tomb Raider games and the reboot of the series - the events of the series take place after Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018). Along with her fortune, Lara will inherit a mysterious message from her father about the tomb of Japanese Queen Himiko, which will lead the heroine to exciting adventures - or serious problems.

The treasure hunter is voiced by Hayley Atwell (Agent Peggy Carter from the Marvel films). If you plan to watch ‘The Legend of Lara Croft’ in the original language, you will hear the voice of Richard Armitage (Thorin Duboshchit from ‘The Hobbit’). Showrunner of the animated series appointed Tasha Huo (‘Red Sonja’, ‘The Witcher: Origins’) - bad or good, for sure we can only know after the premiere.

The Witcher (season 4)

World premiere date: not announced

No matter what anyone says about the ‘The Witcher’ series, most viewers agree that Henry Cavill is a good Heralt of Rivia. The actor approached the role of the white-haired monster hunter as meticulously as possible. He literally walked around the set with Sapkowski's book and tried to achieve authenticity. Henry's zeal was enough for three seasons, after which there were either mysterious ‘creative differences’, or indeed there were difficulties in combining shooting schedules.

Either way, the role of Geralt is now played by Liam Hemsworth. It has been reported that the season will roughly be based on the novel Baptism of Fire. The on-screen fantasy universe will be augmented by vampire Emiel Regis, played by Morpheus of All Toussaint Laurence Fishburne. Also appearing in the season will be red-human Zoltan Hivai, spy Stefan Skellen and mercenary Leo Bonarte.

Life Is Strange

World premiere date: not announced

It would seem that Life Is Strange doesn't need a film adaptation, because initially it looks more like a teen drama from the Sundance festival than a video game. In the first part of the series, the complicated story of Maxine Caulfield and her friend Chloe Price was mixed with a sci-fi plot about time travel and the butterfly effect, and the ending left players with a bitter aftertaste regardless of their choices.

A TV series based on the game was announced back in 2016, and in 2017 the rights were sold to streaming service Hulu. The project moved to release very, very slowly and only in 2021 got an executive producer. He became singer Shawn Mendes - he is also responsible for the musical accompaniment of the future series. A year later, it was reported that Amazon was interested in the adaptation. Since then, from the available news appeared only fan speculation on Reddit.

Alan Wake

World Premiere Date: not announced

Strictly speaking, a TV series based on the Alan Wake video game already exists - a small one (episodes only last 5-7 minutes each), but a good one. It's Bright Falls (2010), a six-episode prequel to the first instalment, which follows the fortunes of journalist Jake Fisher. Like the game itself, the show is strongly reminiscent of Lynch's Twin Peaks and Stephen King's books.

The first news of a full-fledged adaptation came back in 2018. Peter Calloway (‘Legion,’ ‘Cloak and Dagger,’ ‘American Gods’) was appointed producer. Some time later, the project was taken under the wing of the AMC TV channel, and Calloway left his post. New news about the series has emerged recently, on the heels of the success of Alan Wake 2 (2023). Insider The Tipster reported that work on the show is underway, the story will continue the stories of the games, and actor Ilkka Villi, who gave Wake his appearance, will return to his role on TV.

God of War

World premiere date: not announced

They decided to adapt Kratos' adventures straight from the 2018 relaunch (the game is based on Scandinavian myths, while the others stuck to Greek ones). Amazon Prime Video has confirmed that the upcoming series will tell the story of the protagonist and his son Atreus. Rafe Judkins has been appointed as showrunner, while Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby (‘Iron Man,’ ‘Child of Man’) are handling the script. The authors promise that they will respect the original material, but it's too early to judge: the script is still in the works, and the actors for the main roles have not been chosen.

Assassin's Creed

World Premiere Date: Not Announced

A series based on the video game franchise about a secret society of parkour-wielding assassins has been in Netflix's plans for several years. The streaming service's contract with Ubisoft includes not only a series with live actors, but also animated adaptations, including anime.

The appointment of screenwriter Jeb Stuart (‘Die Hard’) to the role was promising, but he left the project in 2023. Stewart expressed all respect for Ubisoft, but emphasised that his vision for the story is different from the studio's. Jason Altman and Daniel Kreinik were supposed to be the executive producers of the show, but Kreinik has also self-departed, while Altman's involvement has long been unconfirmed and is in doubt.

The dubious 2016 adaptation of ‘Assassin's Creed’ was not helped even by the participation of Michael Fassbender - perhaps the future creators of the series will take into account the previous mistakes and will be able to shoot something worthy of attention.

 

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