Horizon: Potential Blockbuster if Stays True to Roots

Following the successful cinematic adaptation of Uncharted in 2022 and the critically acclaimed HBO series The Last of Us, Sony's announcement of a Horizon film was highly anticipated. PlayStation Studios and Columbia Pictures have confirmed a movie adaptation of Horizon Zero Dawn, bringing Aloy's journey and the game's unique machine-filled world to the big screen. While still in early development, the film has the potential to be Sony's first major video game box office triumph—provided it stays true to the source material.

Recent years have witnessed a surge in successful video game adaptations across film and television. The Super Mario Bros. and Sonic movies, aimed at family audiences, set a high bar for both critical acclaim and box office performance. On television, Sony's The Last of Us, alongside Netflix's Arcane and Amazon Prime's Fallout, are fan favorites. Even adaptations with mixed reviews have achieved box office success, such as the Tom Holland-led Uncharted, which grossed over $400 million.

Despite the decline of the "video game curse," challenges remain. While Uncharted found its audience, it deviated significantly from the original games. Conversely, Borderlands and Amazon's Like a Dragon: Yakuza series underperformed critically and commercially due to their lack of fidelity to the source material. These adaptations failed to capture the essence of the games that captivated fans.

These failures highlight a broader issue with adaptations in general. Netflix's The Witcher, for example, significantly altered the source material's events, characters, and tone. While adaptations often require changes, these examples feel like entirely different creations, disappointing fans and potentially hindering their success.

This brings us back to Horizon. Before the film announcement, Netflix was developing a series, and rumors circulated about a "Horizon 2074" project set in the pre-apocalypse. This concept proved divisive among fans, who desired a faithful adaptation of the original game's story and iconic robotic creatures. Fortunately, the Netflix project was canceled, paving the way for the film adaptation. The increased budget of a Hollywood film is crucial for realizing the game's visual potential.

If the Horizon film emulates the success of The Last of Us, it could be PlayStation's first major cinematic win. The success of Fallout, Arcane, and The Last of Us demonstrates the importance of faithfulness to the source material, encompassing visuals, tone, and narrative. While The Last of Us introduced new storylines, it largely adhered to the game's narrative structure, resonating with both fans and newcomers.

Remaining true to the original game isn't solely about fan expectations. Horizon Zero Dawn won prestigious awards for its narrative, highlighting the story's quality. Set in 31st-century North America, the game follows Aloy's journey of self-discovery and her connection to the old-world scientist, Elisabet Sobeck. Aloy, along with her allies Erend and Varl, are compelling characters, and the game's exploration of climate change and a rogue AI adds depth. The enigmatic Sylens further enriches the narrative.

The intricate world-building, featuring unique tribes and settlements, provides a rich backdrop for a compelling film franchise. Similar to Avatar's exploration of Na'vi culture, a Horizon film could delve into the tribes' survival strategies against the robotic hunters. The game's unique combat encounters, featuring creatures like Sawtooths, Tallnecks, and Stormbirds, offer visually stunning potential.

Horizon's compelling story, combined with its unique world and cinematic aesthetic, positions it for success. The expansive narrative of Forbidden West provides ample material for a long-term franchise. By faithfully adapting the game's strengths, Sony can create a successful film franchise that matches the success of the source material.

A faithful adaptation is crucial not only for fan satisfaction but also for financial success. Ignoring what makes Horizon great could lead to negative fan reception and financial difficulties. Sony must recognize the potential of Horizon and create a high-quality adaptation. With other PlayStation titles, like Ghost of Tsushima and Helldivers 2, slated for film and TV adaptations, a successful Horizon film could set a precedent for future projects.

What video game adaptation are you most excited for?

Horizon Zero DawnHelldivers 2Ghost of TsushimaThe Legend of ZeldaA Minecraft MovieUntil DawnGears of WarOther (let us know in the comments)AnswerSee Results