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 portrayal of Aloy's origins and the game's captivating, machine-filled world. While still in early development, this 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 numerous successful video game adaptations on both the big and small screens. The Super Mario Bros. and Sonic movies, aimed at family audiences, serve as benchmarks for critical acclaim and box office success. 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 dominance; the Tom Holland-led Uncharted film grossed over $400 million.

However, challenges remain. While the "video game curse" is largely a thing of the past, faithfulness to the source material is crucial. 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 due to their disregard for the original storylines, lore, and tone. They failed to capture the essence of the games that captivated fans.

The Horizon movie isn't the first attempt at bringing the franchise to screens. A Netflix series was announced in 2022, alongside rumors of a "Horizon 2074" prequel set before the apocalypse. This concept proved divisive, with fans desiring a faithful adaptation of the original game's successful narrative and iconic robotic creatures, elements absent in a pre-apocalyptic setting.

Fortunately, the Netflix project is no longer in development. The shift to a theatrical release is a strategic move, given the extensive CGI required. A Hollywood film's larger budget is essential to realize 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 victory. The success of Fallout, Arcane, and The Last of Us demonstrates the importance of faithful adaptations that respect the source material's visuals, tone, and story. 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 for Horizon could yield similar results.

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

If adapted faithfully, the Horizon film could be a major success. Its unique world, timely themes, and cinematic aesthetic make it a prime candidate for critical and box office triumph. Forbidden West's expansive story provides ample material for a long-term franchise. This could be a major win for Sony, mirroring the success of the games.

Maintaining the elements that made the game successful is paramount. With other Sony titles, like Ghost of Tsushima and Helldivers 2, slated for adaptation, this approach could establish PlayStation's dominance in a new medium. Conversely, neglecting what made Horizon great could lead to negative fan reception and financial setbacks. Let's hope Sony prioritizes a faithful 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