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Video game-to-film adaptations are a horrible trend we’ve (unfortunately) had to endure over the last decade. However, it is very rare to see the reverse: popular films or series turned into video or casino games. Of course, it can be argued (from a logistics standpoint) that such a concept just wouldn’t work, especially with comedy or romance films. Even so, that’s not to say there aren’t other ways to have popular movie elements shine through in the games we play. Instead of turning a film into a game, adopting the core mechanics of a specific movie genre would be perfect for interactive play. Let’s take a look at some genres that would make great game themes.
The Synergy of Familiarity and Function
The main benefit of utilizing movie themes within games stems from the potential for customer acquisition. By drawing from an existing film (or film franchise), game developers are also drawing from an existing fan base. Basically, there is already an emotional connection between the source material and the audience. In combining a beloved IP with a gameplay mechanic, a powerful, low-risk entertainment tool is created. For example, cinematic set pieces from major franchises like Indiana Jones or Mission Impossible make for great linear action or open-world exploration titles. Throw in how iconic these films are (and the expected large audience they cater to), and it makes for a pretty popular console game.
With iGaming platforms, adding a movie theme to slot or casino games is a great way to elevate user experiences. Blackjack, baccarat, roulette, craps, video poker, and more can be made instantly more interesting by linking them to a specific film. If you were to look at the best new online casino australia players use, themed scratch cards with multipliers and bonus rounds immediately bring in higher engagement than traditional paper versions. Even with Match-3 or resource management games, tying it to a huge series like Game of Thrones or Harry Potter moves it from a simple puzzler to a daily ritual.
Action-Adventure: The Gold Standard
One of the most universally loved genres across all forms of media is, arguably, action-adventure. The main selling points are the linear progression, a clear hero or protagonist who has to embark on an adventure, and the laid-out objectives. Throw in an interactive element, and you end up with an escalating spectacle that is perfect for a controller. When breaking down the actual game mechanics, it usually revolves around open-world exploration, melee combat, and quick-time events. When you think of titles like Devil May Cry, It Takes Two, and even God of War, these are the most enjoyable aspects (and largely why they’re so popular).
In our (humble) opinion, these are some classic elements of an elite action-adventure game. It can also be argued that said elements are directly lifted from action cinema, especially when it comes to obvious titles like GoldenEye 007. This was a game-changer (pun intended) for the gaming community, introducing its praised stealth-action, single-player gameplay. Developers did not copy the plot of the source material, but rather the mechanics that made it fun, like covert infiltration and gadget use. Even within online casinos, it is quite common to see themes that draw from high-stakes heist and spy thriller films.
Sci-Fi and Fantasy: World-Building Wonders
When you think of the Sci-Fi or Fantasy genre, what are the first films that pop into your head? Of course, it’s going to be either Star Wars or The Lord of the Rings; two iconic franchises that have single-handedly shaped the genre as we know it. However, game developers can bring a level of immersion and agency that no film will be able to replicate. At its core, this genre has laid the foundation for an expansive world where it would be impossible to fully explore it within a singular runtime. For instance, in The Lord of the Rings, Middle-earth is huge, with mention being made of places like Harad and Rhûn.
As the films and novels mainly focus on the Westlands, the cultures, geography, and peoples of these regions are largely unexplored. Naturally, fans would be curious about such elements, which creates the perfect opportunity for that specific world to be further explored, just in a different format. Another great (but more modern) example is Stranger Things, and how little we actually know about the Upside Down. Perhaps the upcoming final season will finally satisfy fans’ curiosity, but it is another instance of uncharted territory. As these game archetypes each have an exploration element, it opens an opportunity for this territory to be explored.
Ultimately, these film genres make for great RPGs (Role-Playing Games) that provide fans a chance to unpack the lore of certain universes. Beyond world exploration, characters are fully customizable, allowing fans to insert themselves into one of their favourite worlds. There is also the familiarity of beloved magic or tech systems that gets further elaborated on as you progress in the game. The best part of these game set-ups is the player’s ability to choose. Generally, the game will provide an array of interesting choice-based play, some of which bleeds into the moral sphere.
At times, these games do not capitalize on a particular film title, but rather just lean into the elements that make it lovable to begin with. Mass Effect is a great instance of this, as the game doesn’t draw inspiration from a single film, but rather pays homage to the entire Sci-Fi genre. Easily, elements from Star Trek, Blade Runner, and even Contact can be seen within the gameplay. It showcases how even just the overall feel of this genre can be perfectly captured within a single title. Additionally, it’s expanding a movie’s rich lore from a cinematic mythology into a playable universe.
Horror: The Thrill of Interaction
Out of all the genres available, horror is the one that works best in an interactive format. Don’t get us wrong, though; films like The Conjuring, The Autopsy of Jane Doe, Midsommar, and Hereditary all prove terrifying as a viewer. However, when you aren’t just watching the characters on screen walking into a dark room, but actually traversing into the unknown by yourself, the fear is multiplied tenfold. Applying interactive elements to a spooky storyline adds tension, where holding the flashlight or answering the phone spikes your anxiety. There are quite a few game mechanics that make this an interesting genre to draw from.
For one, most horror games double as survival challenges. The Outlast series? You need to survive Mount Massive Asylum (it’s literally in the title). Alien: Isolation? You’re stuck on a spaceship with an alien that is hunting you, and you need to endure the horrors that entail. The Resident Evil game series is another good instance of this, where you need to navigate your way through a zombie outbreak. If you make even a small mistake, it can cost you your life and send you right back to the last save file you created, making the fear deeply personal.
Psychological tension is created through jump scares and intense boss fights or chase sequences. In Outlast, the atmosphere is already deeply unsettling and eerily quiet (almost too quiet) as you first enter the Asylum. You know a jump scare is coming, but you don’t know when. This makes the library door scare at the beginning of the game that much more frightening, as that tension builds up as you progress further into the creepy building. At times, it doesn’t need to be a jump scare that gets you, but rather the anxiety-inducing interactions with certain characters.
In Resident Evil 2 (the remake), Leon’s fight against Mr X is nerve-wracking as you constantly need to look out for and run from him. The same can be said for Chris Walker in Outlast, especially with his persistent stalking once you encounter him. Running and hiding are just about the only things you can do to get through it. Strategy also plays a big role, as you need to master your inventory management skills so you don’t run out of bullets or batteries, and this bleeds into stealthiness, as well. How will you get away from the thing hunting you if you’re not sneaky about it? As such, these gameplay loops are incredibly satisfying and bring a unique feeling of achievement once they are completed.
Crime and Noir: Stakes and Style
Solving crime, going up against the Mafia or Yakuza, and trying to figure out murder mysteries is probably the most common movie theme you can find in a game. When drawing from films like Sherlock Holmes, Knives Out, and The Silence of the Lambs, we get a more mature narrative space. There is compelling moral ambiguity, high-stakes decisions, and a gritty atmosphere that helps drive the plot forward. Move this over into a game format, and it makes for a rather enticing experience that is rare for other genres to match. It is a theme that has inspired games across all platforms, from consoles to mobile and casino gaming.
With slots and crash-style casino games specifically, glimpsing a set-up stylized to match the mystery and gothic thriller atmosphere is the norm. Iconic film soundtracks, character pop-ups, and famous lines being spammed as you hit a win or a loss make up much of the gameplay. For iGaming platform operators, such a theme presents a low-cost, high-utilization opportunity that will have potential players streaming in. From a business standpoint, this is genius, as the game mechanics are usually very simple (such as pulling a lever or pushing a button), so more effort can go into perfecting the theme.
Another common game category where crime and noir are quite popular is HOPAs (hidden object puzzle adventures). These are games where you need to find the hidden objects in plain sight, and they often have a detective-style theme to set the atmosphere. Imagery of magnifying glasses, coats, and notepads is scattered throughout the game’s landing pages and around the puzzle itself. Additionally, they will usually be established in a specific time period where it was common for detectives to investigate crime without the help of technology. Some game titles will need you to find the hidden items (solve the puzzle) to help propel the plot forward.
When there isn’t a focus on the dark and glamorous aesthetic, game themes shift to the urban sprawl and illicit freedom of classic crime films. Grand Theft Auto is a great instance of this, where the huge digital playground and crime-centered gameplay are reminiscent of movies with cult followings. Scarface, Kill Bill, Heat, and Goodfellas all present the blueprint for these free-for-all games that offer action, progression, and meme-worthy characters (Carl “CJ” Johnson). Overall, the more interactive games that draw from this film genre consist of third-person cover shooting, chase sequences, and witty dialogue trees.
Why Some Genres Struggle
Although there are a significant number of film genres that work well as game themes, there are a handful that don’t. When breaking this phenomenon down, the film genres that translate best have a core narrative structure and aesthetic that can easily be mapped into a game mechanic. For example, the action genre (John Wick, The Dark Knight, and Kill Boksoon) can easily be turned into a Hack-and-Slash or shooter. The same is true for fantasy films (Pirates of the Caribbean, The Hobbit, Wicked), which are best suited for RPG gaming titles.
However, the romantic comedy genre is a practical example of what wouldn’t work as a game. Two characters meet and fall in love without any action or external factors driving the plot forward, which, for romance lovers, is an ideal watch. In a game setting, there is nothing to keep the game loop interesting or engaging. Similarly, drama-centered films do not have any metaphorical meat on their bones that would work well in fuelling a game. Generally, the themes and narratives of these films are internal and focused on character relationships or conflicts as the driving force.
This does not take away from how great a film is, however, as there is a stark difference between a great story and a great interactive experience. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Annie Hall, The Notebook, and Pulp Fiction have flawless writing and can hold an audience’s attention very well. Can it hold a player’s attention, though? The short and simple answer is no, it cannot. Bridesmaids, Project X, or The Hangover are further examples of comedic genius on the big screen, but can you imagine how redundant a gameplay loop inspired by them would be? Even with casino games that normally rely on the visuals for player enticement, there is not much substance to work with.
Our (Correct) Opinion on Adaptation
In conclusion, as long as a film genre has elements that will work perfectly if interactive play is added, it will translate well into a game format. Whether it is a AAA console title or a themed casino game, the point of these adaptations is more than just a way to make money. Rather, it is the perfect chance to allow fans to further immerse themselves in their favorite fictional world.
