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For decades, video game adaptations were notoriously bad and beleaguered by a terrible reputation. But the tides have turned. Shows likeThe Last of UsandFalloutare leading the charge into an era in which video game adaptations can receive critical acclaim.

Screenshot of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim showing Tamriel’s landscape with trees and a castle at dusk.

Hollywood is gearing up to release a bevy of adaptations, but the world of games offers much more potential. AGears of Waradaptation has been requested by fans forever, and there are quite a few other titles that would make wonderful TV series – if done right.

7The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Set in the sprawling and incredibly rich world of Tamriel,The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrimboasts massive potential for an epic TV series.

With an appropriate budget, its high-fantasy setting, dark themes, epic scope, and majestic creatures could be the foundation for a TV show in the veins ofGame of ThronesorThe Rings of Power.

Horizon Zero Dawn screenshot showing Aloy aiming and bow and arrow at a huge machine towering over her

6Horizon Zero Dawn

AHorizon Zero DawnTV adaptation was in the works at Netflix but has reportedly been canned. Even thoughmany players did not care about this termination, the series could be a suitable premise for a thrilling TV show.

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Its vast and history-rich world, intimidating yet awe-inspiring sentient machines, and compelling protagonist offer plenty of inspiration to create a captivating series.

5Borderlands

Despite its A-Lister-heavy cast, theBorderlandsmovie adaptation flopped with crushing reviews. This, however, doesn’t mean the looter-shooter isn’t a suitable title for an adaptation.

Instead of a live-action film, the game series that is known for its cell-shaded art stylemay fare better as an animated seriessimilar toArcaneorCastlevania. After all, the series is filled with interesting characters and intriguing stories that would have the space to breathe in a TV show.

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4Life Is Strange

The episodic nature of the story-drivenLife Is Strangegames provides the perfect setup for an engaging TV series. With its complex characters and emotional narrative, there is a lot of material for writers to create something compelling for the small screen.

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Max’s time-bending superpowers or Alex’s ability to read one’s mind give a grounded teen drama a magical spin, while an underlying sinister mystery allows for deeper themes to be explored.

3Alan Wake

Back in 2022, AMC bought the rights to Remedy’sAlan Waketo bring the critically acclaimed title to the small screen. Updates have been MIA, leading many to wonder whether theshow will ever see the light of day.

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With the game’s spine-chilling setting, mind-bending mysteries, and intriguing characters, it would be a perfect candidate for a psychological thriller series to draw in gamers and horror fans alike.

2Red Dead Redemption 1 & 2

With their cinematic aesthetics, complex characters, and rich narrative, theRed Dead Redemptiongames could be the perfect foundation for a Western TV series.

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The show could begin with the prequel to tell Arthur Morgan’s story before leading to the events in John Marston’s life. Alternatively, exploring the perspectives of the other gangs and their lives and challenges as outlaws in the early 20th-century US could expand on the existing universe and allow for new stories to be written.

1Gears of War

Xbox’s celebrated game seriesGears of Waris officially getting the live-action movie treatment, with Netflix having secured the rights.

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An adult animated TV series is also in the works, which could be just right to bring the game series to a new medium.

With its over-the-top violence, iconic characters, and action-laden story,Gears of Warcould make an incredible TV series showcasing the raging war and its effects on the planet of Sera and its inhabitants.

Borderlands 3 screenshot showing three characters, one on a mech, shooting.

Which video games would you like to see adapted into TV shows? Tell us about your hopes for the future of video game adaptations in the comments below.

Lisa Kamlot

Articles Published :101

Lisa is a passionate gaming writer with an insatiable appetite for all things gaming. When she’s not diving into virtual worlds, she’s riding waves as a dedicated surfer. She’s always on a quest for adventure – both in the digital realm and IRL.

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Alan WakeBorderlandsgears of warHorizonLife is strangeRed Dead RedemptionThe Elder Scrolls

Screenshot of Life Is Strange Remastered showing Chloe in a room in front of a wall with photos, drawings, and notes.