Horizon Could Be PlayStation’s Big Movie Win if It Stays Faithful to the Games

Following the successful cinematic adaptation of Uncharted in 2022 and the critically acclaimed HBO series based on The Last of Us, a Horizon Zero Dawn movie was inevitable. PlayStation Studios and Columbia Pictures have officially confirmed a film adaptation, promising a faithful recreation of Aloy's origin story and the game's stunning, machine-filled world. 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 various platforms. The Super Mario Bros. and Sonic movies, aimed at family audiences, serve as benchmarks for 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, as evidenced by the Tom Holland-led Uncharted film, which grossed over $400 million.

However, challenges remain. While Uncharted reached a wide audience, it fell short of expectations for many fans seeking a faithful adaptation. Conversely, last year's Borderlands film and Amazon's Like a Dragon: Yakuza series underperformed critically and commercially, demonstrating a lack of commitment to the source material's storylines, lore, and overall tone. These adaptations failed to capture the essence of the games that captivated their fanbases.

These failures highlight a broader issue in adaptations. Netflix's The Witcher, for instance, significantly deviated from its source material, altering events, characters, and overall tone. While adaptations often require adjustments for a new medium, these examples represent substantial departures. This can deeply disappoint fans—the initial target audience—and ultimately hinder the project's success.

The upcoming Horizon film isn't the first attempt at bringing the franchise to the screen. A Netflix series was announced in 2022, along with rumors of a "Horizon 2074" project set in the pre-apocalypse era. This concept, though unconfirmed, proved divisive among fans who desired a faithful adaptation of the game's acclaimed storyline and iconic robotic creatures. Fortunately, the Netflix project is no longer in development, and the focus has shifted to a theatrical release. This is a strategic move, given the substantial CGI requirements of a Horizon adaptation. The increased budget of a Hollywood production is crucial for realizing the world's potential on the big screen.

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 faithful adaptations. These projects were lauded for their respect for the source material, capturing not only the visuals but also the tone and narrative. Gamers value authenticity. While The Last of Us introduced new storylines, it largely adhered to the game's narrative structure, resonating with both fans and newcomers. A similar approach with Horizon could yield similar results.

Faithful adaptation isn't merely about fan service. Horizon Zero Dawn's narrative received prestigious awards, including Best Narrative at The Game Awards 2017 and Outstanding Achievement in Story at the 2018 DICE Awards. The story, set in 31st-century North America, follows Aloy's journey to uncover her origins and their connection to the scientist Elisabet Sobeck, her doppelganger. Aloy, along with her allies Erend and Varl, and the enigmatic Sylens, are compelling characters within a richly detailed world. The game's exploration of climate change and a rogue AI adds depth and intrigue.

The intricate worldbuilding, featuring unique cultures and settlements, provides a strong foundation for a compelling film franchise. Similar to James Cameron's Avatar, a Horizon film could delve into the tribes' survival strategies against the robotic hunters. The unique combat encounters, featuring creatures like Sawtooths, Tallnecks, and Stormbirds, offer visually stunning potential. These elements, combined with rival tribes and the rogue AI Hades, create a world brimming with action and suspense.

Horizon's compelling story, if adapted faithfully, has the potential for critical and commercial success. Its unique world, timely themes, and cinematic aesthetic provide a strong foundation. The expansive story of Forbidden West offers further potential for a long-term franchise, provided it's handled carefully. This presents a significant opportunity to create a film franchise that matches the success of the game.

A successful adaptation requires preserving the elements that made the game a success. With other Sony titles like Ghost of Tsushima and Helldivers 2 slated for film and TV adaptations, this approach could establish PlayStation's success in a new medium. However, deviating from what made Horizon great could lead to negative fan reception and financial difficulties. Let's hope Sony and its creative team recognize the potential and deliver a faithful and successful adaptation.

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