Though movies and games don't always mix, there are some famous film directors whose visions could make killer video games. Movie tie-ins are usually mediocre at best, but applying a filmmaker's approach to interactive storytelling has the potential for some really inventive gaming—especially when you're talking about these five famous film directors.
Someday a Guillermo del Toro Game Won't Get Canceled
It's not Guillermo del Toro's fault that he hasn't made a game yet; he's certainly tried. His original title Insane has been lost in development hell since somewhere around 2012; Sundown got canceled in favor of other projects; and the infamous Silent Hills debacle pulled the game right out from under his feet.
Not all famous film directors are well suited to games, but del Toro is an avid gamer himself, citing his love for Asteroids and BioShock as well as awe for "masterpieces" like Ico and Shadow of the Colossus. And with his vision for eerie, dark fantasy à la Pan's Labyrinth, he could make an amazing game in a similar vein. Del Toro is also adept at horror, and could make a truly amazing original horror-inspired IP, something like Amnesia where the story and terror intertwine. If only his games would quit getting canceled, we would get to see this adept film director take a stab at game development.
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Quentin Tarantino Might Not Like the Medium, But He'd Still Make a Great Game
Unfortunately for the gaming community, Quentin Tarantino has repeatedly stated (in typical expletive-filled fashion) his lack of interest in video games, but we can still dream. His violent, exploitation-film aesthetic seems perfectly suited to gaming, whether it's the maniacal driving of Death Proof or the Nazi-slaying alternate history of Inglourious Basterds.
While we probably won't ever see a video game from this famous film director, his trademark hyper-violence, fast-paced dialog, and offbeat humor could complement a Grand Theft Auto or Saints Row-style game. Plus, his original and engaging approach to action filmmaking would pretty much guarantee the perfect blend of story and blood-pumping hijinks to keep us entertained.
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Next: Directors of Mystery, Comedy & Vision
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Heavy Storytelling and Stylization Would Make a David Fincher Game Intriguing
This famous film director is better known for his slow-burn approach to story rather than fast action sequences, which is why David Fincher's style could seamlessly lend itself to the often-underused mystery game genre. With films like Gone Girl and Se7en, Fincher uses tension and suspense more frequently than action to keep the plot moving forward, which could prove very interesting in a game setting.
We could speculate a David Fincher game might be like Heavy Rain—a choice-driven narrative adventure rather than a guns-blazing action-packed game. But because Fincher's films aren't entirely without action, he might also excel at something like L.A. Noire, which is driven in part by traditional game mechanics and part by narrative design. Regardless of the approach, a Fincher-headed game would certainly be an intriguing and dark experience.
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Edgar Wright's Fast-Paced Fun is Perfect for Gaming
Edgar Wright's films—most notably the Cornetto trilogy (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World's End)—are known for their blending of genres, including action, horror, and humor. And when you throw in his whiplash-inducing editing style, each of these films constitutes an adrenaline-fueled thrill ride that has you laughing the whole way through. Though Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World might not have been the box-office hit the studio hoped, Wright proved he knows how to navigate a blend of gaming and filmmaking, and he has a nostalgic soft spot for video games, too.
Action and humor are mainstays of games, but the prevailing trends are largely realism and dark themes—Wright has shown that he can balance bright colors and often heavy themes, making him a perfect choice for games. A Wright game might be something like Sunset Overdrive, packed with near-constant humor and entertaining action sequences, or even something like Amped, with its incredibly stylized and over-the-top approach. Whatever game this famous film director might make, it would be sure to be an original and screamingly fun experience.
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The Iconic Vision of Hayao Miyazaki Would Make a Beautiful, Immersive Game
Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki is known as one of the greatest modern visionaries, thanks to his unique and imaginative style. With classic films like Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke, he's been compared to other famous film directors like Steven Spielberg and Orson Welles. Miyazaki's movies are incredible from both a visual and storytelling standpoint, and seeing that unique vision applied to games could make for some very interesting results.
Because Miyazaki's films are so unique, it's hard to say what his games might look like. His often mysterious and nature-driven stories might resonate well with games like Ico or Shadow of the Colossus, both of which have a similar tone. Miyazaki might also excel at games like Ōkami, with its beautifully unique art style and wonderful storytelling heavily influenced by Japanese folklore. Though Studio Ghibli created the well-received Ni No Kuni, a more direct involvement of Miyazaki would make for fascinating games.
What famous film directors would you like to see take on video games?