The Rise of the Gaming Industry
In the 1990s, Hollywood was at its peak. The end of the Cold War opened new markets, leading to lucrative profits for virtually all Hollywood studios.
However, the gaming industry was booming even more. Technological advancements made personal computers not only more powerful but also more affordable. Within a decade, PCs became a common household item.
Games became popular not just because of personal computers. Consoles, especially the first version of the PlayStation, played a significant role in the rise of the gaming industry. Over 100 million units were sold worldwide.
It's no wonder that film producers began eyeing the most popular game franchises like Tomb Raider and Doom. Millions of players played these games at the time, promising substantial profits.
While the adaptations of these game titles did not perform spectacularly, Hollywood studios were undeterred. This is why, in the past twenty years, a large number of films have been based on many famous computer and console games. Which ones are the most notable?
Resident Evil
This franchise feels at home both on cinema screens and television. Not only have several feature films starring Milla Jovovich been made, but Japanese films created entirely on computers have also been produced. These were released on DVD.
While the Hollywood version of Resident Evil had little in common with the game apart from the name and a few basic elements, the Japanese films developed the original game story.
Silent Hill
Silent Hill was one of the main gaming competitors to the Resident Evil series at the time. It wasn't as action-packed and stood out more for its oppressive atmosphere. Director Christopher Gans successfully translated this specific atmosphere into a film in 2006.
The film is set in the town of Silent Hill, where the main character goes in search of her young daughter. Unlike the Resident Evil films with Milla Jovovich, which are only loosely inspired by the game, Silent Hill is a fairly faithful adaptation. This is why it remains a beloved film to this day.
Super Mario Bros. in Film
While the first film adaptation of Super Mario was a disaster, the new reincarnation in 2023 became a cinematic event. This success was greatly helped by the decision to make the film entirely on computers.
A significant factor in its success was a good script. The story isn't complicated but flows very well and entertains both young viewers and their parents. It's one of the first truly family films based on a game.
FAQ
Why did Hollywood start making movies based on video games?
The gaming industry was booming in the 1990s as PCs got more powerful and affordable and the first PlayStation sold over 100 million units. Producers eyed franchises like Tomb Raider and Doom, played by millions, which promised substantial profits.
Is the Silent Hill movie faithful to the game?
Yes, it is a fairly faithful adaptation. Director Christopher Gans translated the game's oppressive atmosphere into a film in 2006, and it remains a beloved film to this day.
How do the Resident Evil movies differ from the game?
The Hollywood films with Milla Jovovich have little in common with the game apart from the name and a few basic elements. The Japanese computer-made films developed the original game story.
Why was the 2023 Super Mario movie a success?
It was made entirely on computers and had a good script. The story is simple but flows well and entertains both young viewers and their parents. The first Super Mario adaptation was a disaster.
A Trend We Can't Avoid
Movies based on games are no longer an underdog; quite the opposite. It is expected that game adaptations will be as important to the film industry in the near future as comics were until recently.
