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 to bring Aloy's origin story 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 various platforms. The Super Mario Bros. and Sonic movies, both family-friendly hits, set a high standard for critical and commercial success. On television, Sony's The Last of Us, alongside Netflix's Arcane and Amazon Prime's Fallout, have garnered immense fan appreciation. Even adaptations with mixed reviews have achieved box office dominance; the Uncharted film, starring Tom Holland, grossed over $400 million.

However, challenges remain. While the "video game curse" is largely a thing of the past, some adaptations still miss the mark. Uncharted, despite its box office success, deviated significantly from the games. Conversely, Borderlands and Amazon's Like a Dragon: Yakuza adaptation underperformed critically and commercially, largely due to their disregard for the source material's story, lore, and tone. They failed to capture the essence of the worlds fans loved.

These failures highlight a broader problem with adaptations in general. Netflix's The Witcher series, for example, took significant liberties with its source material, altering events, characters, and overall tone. While adaptations often require changes, these examples feel like entirely different entities. This can deeply disappoint fans—the pre-existing audience—and ultimately doom the project.

This brings us back to Horizon. The announced film isn't the first attempt at a screen adaptation. In 2022, Netflix announced a series, sparking rumors of 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 acclaimed narrative and iconic robotic creatures, elements absent in a pre-apocalyptic setting.

Thankfully, the Netflix series is no longer in development. The shift to a theatrical release is a smart move, considering the extensive CGI required. A Hollywood film's larger budget is crucial for realizing the story's full potential and bringing its vibrant world to life.

If the Horizon film emulates the success of The Last of Us, it could become PlayStation's first major cinematic win. The success of Fallout, Arcane, and The Last of Us demonstrates the importance of faithful adaptations. These adaptations were praised for their respect for the source material, capturing not only the visuals but also the tone and narrative. Gamers value authenticity. The Last of Us introduced new storylines, but remained true to the core narrative structure, resonating with both fans and newcomers. A similar approach for Horizon could yield similar results.

Faithfulness to the original game isn't merely about fan service. Horizon Zero Dawn won Best Narrative at The Game Awards 2017 and Outstanding Achievement in Story at the 2018 DICE Awards, highlighting the story's quality. Set in 31st-century North America, the game follows Aloy, a Nora tribeswoman, as she unravels the mystery of her origins and her connection to Elisabet Sobeck, a scientist who is her doppelganger. Aloy, along with her allies Erend and Varl, are compelling characters, and the story's exploration of climate change and a rogue AI is both intriguing and timely. The enigmatic Sylens adds further depth.

The intricate worldbuilding, with its diverse tribes and settlements, creates a unique and immersive setting. Similar to James Cameron's Avatar, a Horizon film could explore the cultures and traditions of the various tribes, such as the Nora's struggle against the robotic creatures. The unique combat encounters, featuring creatures like Sawtooths, Tallnecks, and Stormbirds, offer incredible visual potential. These elements, combined with rival tribes and the rogue AI Hades, ensure action and suspense.

Horizon's story is inherently compelling. Its unique world, timely themes, and cinematic aesthetic make it ideally suited for adaptation. The rich details and nuanced storytelling suggest a potentially massive critical and commercial success. Forbidden West expands the story further, providing ample material for a long-term franchise—if handled correctly. This presents a significant opportunity to create a film franchise that matches the success of the games.

A successful adaptation requires retaining the elements that made the games so popular. With other Sony 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. However, deviating from what made Horizon great could lead to negative fan reception and financial difficulties, mirroring the experience of Borderlands. Let's hope Sony and the creative team recognize the potential and deliver a faithful and compelling 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