After the success of The Last of Us, it’s pretty clear that a good game with a great storyline can make for brilliant TV. And it makes perfect sense. Video games can have all the hallmarks of a great TV show. They have interesting and compelling storylines, deep characters, plenty of action, and mostly a few twists thrown in for good measure.
Many games have been successfully transferred to the big screen. But it makes us think: What other games would be perfect for a TV show? Let’s dive in.
1. Tomb Raider
Tomb Raider is an absolute classic. While some might immediately think of Angelina Jolie when Tomb Raider is mentioned, it actually had its humble beginnings as a video game. Producers saw its potential as a movie franchise because of its epic adventures and compelling storylines, but movies are often much shorter than TV shows.
Many of the interesting details that make up the story of Tomb Raider have been lost in order to reduce them to film format. A TV show, on the other hand, can span many hours and would give Tomb Raider the time it deserves to be told from start to finish.
2. Death Stranding
Death Stranding is known for its incredible story. This keeps you going through the many lonely hours you spend trudging across hills and mountains like a postman off-road.
The theme of isolation plays a large part in the narrative of Death Stranding’s story. In the wake of the global pandemic, more people than ever before could address these issues on a TV show. And we’re not sure what it is, but something tells us that Norman Reedus would be the perfect actor for the role of Sam Porter Bridges.
Death Stranding isn’t the only project from Hideo Kojima that has the potential to be an absolutely epic TV series. Metal Gear Solid is also up there with some of the best stories.
The plot revolves around a lone wolf, codenamed Solid Snake, who embarks on a solo mission to take down a two-legged weapon of mass destruction called Metal Gear. Watching one man single-handedly thwart an attempt to destroy the world while saving its inhabitants from certain death is undeniably exciting, you have to admit.
4. Horizon Zero Dawn
Horizon Zero Dawn explores a world after destruction. The world in Horizon Zero Dawn is completely overrun by giant robotic machines with some seriously bad weapons and even worse moods.
The locations and settings in Horizon Zero Dawn are absolutely gorgeous, as is the storyline. And watching Aloy try to understand her past and uncover what led to the downfall of civilization in a world where huge and awe-inspiring machines have become the dominant species would be a thrill on TV.
5. God of War: Ragnarok
God of War: Ragnarok was one of the best video games of 2022. What’s stopping it from becoming the best TV show of its time as well? With the success of shows like Vikings, it’s clear that Norse mythology and lore can make for an incredibly compelling TV show. Exploring the relationship between Kratos and his son Atreus would become the pillar of the series.
Everyone sucks for a good father and son storyline. And when you combine that with the epic setting and Norse mythology, it’s easy to see how God Of War: Ragnarok could become a binge-worthy TV series.
6. Spirit of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima has the potential to inspire an incredible TV show. The game is set in feudal Japan during the Mongol invasion. The plot is gripping enough to easily explore the historical side without getting too boring or documentary, and there’s also plenty of heart-pounding action-packed sword fighting.
Not to mention Ghost of Tsushima’s characters and overall atmosphere worthy of being immortalized in the world of television as well. You can improve your life by treating it like a video game. So why not improve television by intertwining it with a game like Ghost of Tsushima?
7. Mass Effect
Everyone loves a good sci-fi adventure. And many people in this world also love the Mass Effect series. So combining these two into a TV series based on Mass Effect seems obvious.
The Mass Effect lore is vast and there are many ways to make a television series. The world is filled with interesting and relatable characters, and the plot is well developed since the games focus so heavily on storytelling.
8. Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age
Dragon Quest is an extremely long-lived and popular franchise, and Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age has been its most successful Western release to date. The franchise is known for its great story-based RPGs, and Dragon Quest XI is no exception.
The plot here will captivate you from the start. There are times in the game where you laugh, cry, and even sit right on the edge of your seat. A TV show telling her story would certainly evoke the same reactions. Fantasy shows have proven their worth time and time again, and Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age would make a magical TV series.
9. Red Dead Redemption 2
A good western is an absolute must in the TV and film scene. But it’s not just the classic setting that would make Red Dead Redemption 2 an incredible TV show. Red Dead Redemption 2 gets storytelling just right. Both games do this, but since Red Dead Redemption 2 is a prequel to the first game, it makes sense to start there.
Red Dead Redemption 2 won multiple awards at the 2018 Game Awards for both storytelling and its character’s achievements. The game’s story captured the hearts of many gamers upon its release, and it would surely capture the hearts of many TV fanatics as well. To add to its impressive collection, the game also won a Best Music award, placing it right next to other video game scores worthy of a Grammy.
TV shows tell stories, and there are many incredible stories in video games
TV shows often get their own games, but it seems less common for it to happen the other way around. However, with the success of more game-to-TV adaptations, it should become more popular than ever.
There are hundreds of games with compelling stories to tell. And turning it into an epic TV series is a great way to bring those stories to a wider audience, so even more people can experience them.
