With the successful releases of series such as Castlevania and The Witcher, the stigma around a TV series based on a video game has vanished. With streaming service Netflix at the helm of new projects, there is no telling what they could be working on next.
Some of the games listed below are already in production. With some confirmed and others rumored, each of these games would be a radically different type of TV series. Already ingrained in pop culture, these are 10 video games that should be a television series.
10 Halo
One of the most highly acclaimed video game franchises deserves a TV series. According to checkersaga.com, "The Halo live-action TV sequence is a go at Showtime." We don't know the production budget of this 10-episode sequence, but we are looking forward to watching it anyway. There are five games in the main series of Halo, and a ton of books to read in the expanded universe. With Master Chief as the leading protagonist, a Halo show is bound to be good.
9 Metroid
It has been a while since we've seen a new Metroid game. Every game in the series was rated by critics as masterpieces for their engrossing gameplay and well-choreographed cinematics.
The last Metroid game that released was for the Nintendo Wii. It was called Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, and it told an epic spacefaring tale. With characters like Ridley, the God of Death, the themes of Metroid would make for an excellent TV series, animated or not. Samus Aran would be an inspiring protagonist. This project needs to happen!
8 Red Dead Redemption
Red Dead Redemption 2 was a prequel to one of the greatest games of all time. Characters like Arthur Morgan, John Marston, Dutch van der Linde, and Sadie Adler would be strong in a TV show. There can never be too many western TV series. At the moment, we can watch shows like Westworld and Godless, but a Red Dead Redemption series could be so much more. It's a top-selling game that needs to be a TV show.
7 Mass Effect
A Mass Effect TV series could be along the lines of Star Trek. It would venture out into the cold vacuum of outer space, bringing an experience like few other shows. The plot of Mass Effect 2, which involves the Illusive Man (played by Martin Sheen) and the Collectors, could be directly related to the TV series. As long as they exclude the plot from Mass Effect: Andromeda, which didn't sit well with fans, the TV series could flourish. Commander Shepard would, of course, be the star of the show.
6 Diablo
Rumors suggest that an animated Diablo TV series in the works. If validated, it would mark a historic day for video games. Diablo is one of the most popular video game franchises around. According to Screenrant.com, "Rumors of an animated series based on the popular Diablo games being produced for Netflix have seemingly been confirmed." With demonic themes, it would pique the interest of its fans. Blizzard Entertainment's Diablo cinematic trailers are already spectacular. A Diablo series would be too epic!
5 The Elder Scrolls
'The Elder Scrolls is one of the biggest names in gaming. The series has spawned numerous games and expansions, with five in the main series. The expansive lore contained in The Elder Scrolls makes it a favorable candidate for a TV series. Since quests in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim generate, there is seemingly no end to the game. The inclusion of Tamriel provinces such as Black Marsh, Hammerfell, Morrowind, and Skyrim would be a perfect setting for the series. The numerous character classes and scenic locations would make for an enchanting story.
4 Final Fantasy
As a franchise that has more games than we dare to count, there are a plethora of reasons why it would be an excellent TV series. How awesome would it be to see the Chocobos in a live-action TV series? Furthermore, the characters from Final Fantasy could come together for one epic series told from different vantage points.
Final Fantasy XV alone has enough plot points to spark a TV series. This pipe dream may become a reality sooner than you think. According to hollywoodreporter.com, "The iconic long-running, role-playing video game franchise Final Fantasy is coming to television."
3 Assassin's Creed
The story of Assassin's Creed would make for one hell of a TV series. Although each game has a unique plot, they are connected by one overarching narrative. The plot of Assassin's Creed is about traveling back in time to alter the present course of events. The first five games revolve around Desmond Miles, who uses the Animus to avoid a modern 2012 disaster. Ubisoft continues to launch Assassin's Creed game after game. It's time to make a TV series that will capture the full scope of the story.
2 Ninja Gaiden
Team Ninja hasn't made a new Ninja Gaiden game for some time, but it still maintains a considerable fanbase. The plot revolves around Ryu Hayabusa, who struggles to conquer the forces of evil. In the games, the story is set in motion after Ryu's father is murdered in the Hayabusa village. The protagonist finds himself intertwined in a plot that threatens the safety of the world.
The gritty tones of Ninja Gaiden would make it an excellent TV series. The game's plot and characters are intriguing. With Ninpos and the divine True Dragon Sword, this TV series would likely have a considerable budget.
1 Resident Evil
With multiple reports saying a Resident Evil Netflix series is in development, this may become a reality sooner than later. As a game series that has appeared in almost every form of media, including comic books and video games, it seems inevitable that it will make the jump to TV.
With a rich story that is based on various characters and their struggles against the wicked Umbrella Corporation, there is plenty of potential for plot points. Resident Evil 2's story is a masterpiece. Following Leon Kennedy, an officer of the Raccoon Police Department (RPD), the story evolves into an unsettling story filled with zombies and bio-organic weapons.