PlayStation fans that also have a love for movies and television have a lot to look forward to in the coming years. Not only is The Last of Us’ HBO series right around the corner, and looking very promising based on its trailers, but several other properties are being adapted. Ghost of Tsushima is getting a movie, Horizon is getting a series on Netflix, and Amazon is moving forward with a God of War show. However, there is no reason to stop there.
Though there have been many poor video game shows and films over the years, there have been success stories as well. Netflix’s Arcane, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, and Castlevania are all excellent, while the Sonic the Hedgehog films serve as some family friendly fun. With Sony clearly being smart about who it partners with and what type of format it uses for its various adaptations, there is a solid chance that they succeed. Assuming that they do, PlayStation has many more franchises that would work on the small or big screen.
PlayStation Franchises That Would Be Perfect TV Shows
In general, television is the better format for video games, as movies lack a long enough runtime to properly tell a 20-30 hour story. TV shows, especially ones that receive multiple seasons, can adapt every important scene and even add some new ones like what is being seen with The Last of Us on HBO. If Sony wanted to push for more PlayStation-focused TV series, there are a few properties in particular that would make a lot of sense.
Detroit: Become Human is one game that would be perfect for a show, as it could go in a few directions. It could retell the events of the game exactly as they happened, focusing on characters like Connor or Markus, or it could explore some different Androids fighting to gain their freedom. With the blue rings on the side of the machines’ heads and the Androids' blue blood both able to be achieved with practical effects, the show would not require a massive budget, and it would be ripe for social commentary. Actors from the game could reprise their roles, too, which would be a nice bonus.
However, an even better choice for a television series would be Infamous, as it could focus on a number of Conduits that have different superpowers. Shows like Invincible have proven that superhero stories unrelated to the Marvel and DC universes can work, and with Infamous featuring unique powers like Neon and Paper, it could stand out from the competition. Another option would be Bloodborne, as Yharnam and the creatures within would look gorgeous in live action. Though unlikely given The Order: 1886’s failure, a series that expands Ready at Dawn’s world could work.
PlayStation Franchises That Would Work Well as Movies
Though movies are far riskier when it comes to video game adaptations, some franchises like Ghost of Tsushima are perfect for a movie. A Returnal film that sees viewers piecing together Selene’s story just like they do in the game is one option, while another would be Concrete Genie, as it could make for an emotional short film with gorgeous visual effects. Shadow of the Colossus or The Last Guardian could work as movies, as their stories are powerful but ultimately very brief. Seeing Trico or any of the Colossi on the big screen would be unforgettable, especially for longtime fans.
Though it will be important for PlayStation to find success with its biggest franchises first, the platform has a deep lineup of exclusive games that have powerful narratives. Resistance and Killzone could make for great war films, Jak and Daxter could be an entertaining series aimed at young adults, and the scrapped Sly Cooper TV series could be worth revisiting. While the stigma around video game films and shows is completely understandable, faithful PlayStation adaptations could do a lot to change the narrative.