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 captivating origin story and the game's vibrant, machine-populated world to the big screen. While still in early development, I'm optimistic this could be Sony's first major video game box office triumph—provided it remains faithful 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, set a high standard for critical acclaim and box office revenue. On television, Sony's The Last of Us joins Netflix's Arcane and Amazon Prime's Fallout as fan favorites. Even adaptations with mixed reviews have achieved box office success; 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, some adaptations still fall short. Uncharted, despite its audience appeal, deviated significantly from the games. Conversely, last year's Borderlands film and Amazon's Like a Dragon: Yakuza series underperformed critically and commercially, largely due to their disregard for the source material's storyline, lore, and tone. They failed to capture the essence of the games that captivated fans.

These failures highlight a broader issue in adaptations. Netflix's The Witcher, 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 disappoints fans—the pre-existing audience—and often foreshadows the project's failure.

This brings us back to Horizon. The announced film isn't the first attempt at a screen adaptation. In 2022, Netflix announced a series, and rumors circulated about a "Horizon 2074" project set in the pre-apocalypse. This polarized fans, who desired a faithful adaptation of the original game's successful narrative and iconic robotic creatures, absent in a pre-apocalypse setting.

Fortunately, the Netflix project is canceled, and Horizon is now a feature film. This is a smart move, considering the substantial CGI required. A Hollywood budget is crucial for realizing the game's potential and bringing its world to life on the big screen.

If the Horizon film emulates the success of The Last of Us, it could be PlayStation's first major cinematic win. The success of Fallout, Arcane, and The Last of Us demonstrates the importance of faithfulness to the source material—not just visually, but also in terms of tone and narrative. Gamers value authenticity. While The Last of Us introduced new storylines, it largely adhered to the original game's narrative structure, resonating with both fans and newcomers. Similarly, a faithful Horizon adaptation could achieve similar success.

Faithfulness isn't merely about fan expectations. Horizon Zero Dawn won Best Narrative at The Game Awards 2017 and Outstanding Achievement in Story at the 2018 DICE Awards, highlighting the game's narrative strength. Set in 31st-century North America, it follows Aloy's journey to uncover her origins and their connection to the scientist Elisabet Sobeck, her doppelganger. Aloy, Erend, and Varl are compelling characters, and the exploration of Earth's climate crisis and the rogue AI that created the robotic creatures adds depth. The enigmatic Sylens further enriches the narrative.

The intricate worldbuilding, with its diverse tribes and settlements, offers a unique and immersive experience, ripe for cinematic adaptation. Similar to James Cameron's Avatar, a Horizon film could explore the cultures and traditions of the various tribes and their interactions with the robotic creatures. The unique combat encounters, featuring creatures like Sawtooths, Tallnecks, and Stormbirds, offer visually stunning possibilities. These elements, combined with rival tribes and the rogue AI Hades, create a world full of action and suspense, perfect for a compelling film.

Horizon's story is inherently cinematic. Its unique world, timely themes, and distinct aesthetic are ideally suited for the big screen. The rich details and nuanced storytelling suggest a potential for both critical and commercial success. The expansive story of Forbidden West provides ample material for a potential franchise, if handled carefully. This could be a long-term success for Sony, mirroring the success of the game itself.

A faithful adaptation is key. By retaining the elements that made the game a success, a compelling film can be created. 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. However, deviating from what made Horizon great risks negative fan reaction and financial setbacks, as seen with Borderlands. Let's hope Sony prioritizes faithfulness to create a successful 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