Adult Animation Revolution: Why Video Games Are Best Adapted Into Animation
by Tito W. James
Video games have long struggled to make for compelling adaptations. However, in recent years we’ve seen video game adaptations working wonders within the medium of animation. Cyberpunk Edgerunners, Castlevania, Arcane, Super Mario Bros, Mortal Kombat Legends, and Cuphead are some recent examples of smash hit video game adaptations.
There are also several exciting shows on the horizon including Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, and Devil May Cry. We’re entering a Golden Age of animated video game adaptations. Now is the perfect time to reflect on what’s worked so well so far.
Embrace Stylization
Even the most “realistic” video game is still operating under cartoon physics by human standards. So that is why video games can be adapted more seamlessly into animation. A character like Rayman was never meant to work in live-action. Animation is able to embrace the stylized nature of video game characters and worlds more organically. Captain Laserhawk’s use of mixed-media looks incredibly fresh and exciting. I can’t wait to see what art style future series have in store.
Superior Storytelling
Cyberpunk Edgerunners, Castlevania, and Arcane aren’t just good video game adaptations, they are incredible stories in their own right. Cyberpunk Edgerunners created a vibrant Scifi world full of lovable rogues who live by the sword and die by the sword. Castlevania brought vampire mythology back in style and explored richly layered characters over multiple seasons. Arcane showcased feature film quality storytelling and animation on TV, delivering an emotional journey with compelling characters that will stay with its audience for a long time.
Mature Material
Games have always leaned closer in to R-rated territory than most pop-culture aimed at teen audiences. When most cartoons and live action blockbuster movies are trying to be family-friendly, video games are the edgier, cooler, alternative for young adults. The mature subject matter goes beyond sexy characters and violent action. The best video game animated series explore complex mature themes. We need more pop-culture that’s challenging and thought-provoking, and these animated series have the potential to do just that.
New Characters For a New Generation
Several video game series have managed to organically include more openly gay characters, black characters, and compelling female characters. These examples of diversity don’t feel derivative but expansive and enriching to the pop-mythology. It’s important to create new characters that accurately reflect the aspirations of the rising generation. Because video game IP is relatively new, it’s ripe for creating new characters that fans will love for years to come.
Looking to the Future
There are plans for animated adaptations of Splinter Cell, Far Cry, Dead Cells, Among Us, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, Hyper Light Drifter, and Kingdom Hearts. I believe that video games can be a valid source for great stories and characters as much as any comic or novel. If the creative teams behind these projects embrace stylization, superior storytelling, and explore mature material, then they’re poised for success. Ultimately, we don’t just want good video game adaptations we want good films and TV. Period.
