Too big, too expensive and too silly: why video game movies fail
Why do so many games to movies adaptations fail? Film companies focus on setting up the sequel they haven’t earned instead of making the movie people want to see, says Mark Humphery-Jenner in this cross-posting from The Conversation.
Film adaptations of video games have descended on the unsuspecting viewing public like a Drop Bear. At first they look harmless enough, but they often leave viewers bruised and regretful.
These movies are plentiful. Last year Warcraft: The Beginning grossed US$433 million; Assassin’s Creed, featuring Michael Fassbender, was released earlier this year; and the sixth instalment of the Resident Evil franchise hits Australian screens this week.
The potential to appeal to a devoted fan base – and for new franchises – makes these movies an attractive prospect.
They also struggle due to unrealistic expectations. Similar to book adaptions, the movie will never live up to the original.
Like most of these types of movies, Warcraft was a giant ad for the game, it pulled in new subscribers or returning players. You need to count that figure too.