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, I'm optimistic this could 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. The Super Mario Bros. and Sonic movies, geared towards families, set a high bar for critical acclaim and box office performance. 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 success, such as the Tom Holland-led Uncharted, which grossed over $400 million.

However, challenges remain. Uncharted, while popular, wasn't the faithful adaptation fans hoped for. Conversely, last year's Borderlands film and Amazon's Like a Dragon: Yakuza series underperformed critically and commercially, demonstrating a lack of commitment to the source material's storyline, lore, and tone. They failed to capture the essence of the games that captivated audiences.

These failures highlight a broader issue with adaptations. Netflix's The Witcher, for example, significantly altered the source material's events, characters, and tone. While adaptations require changes to suit a new medium, these examples feel like entirely different works. This disappoints fans—the core audience—and can ultimately doom a 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, and rumors circulated about a "Horizon 2074" project set in the pre-apocalypse. This polarized fans who desired a faithful adaptation of the game's successful storyline and iconic robotic creatures, which a pre-apocalypse setting would lack. Fortunately, Netflix cancelled the project, and a cinematic release is now underway. This is a smart move; the larger budget of a Hollywood film is crucial for realizing the game's visual potential.

If Horizon receives the same careful treatment as The Last of Us, success is likely. The success of Fallout, Arcane, and The Last of Us demonstrates that faithfulness to visuals, tone, and story resonates with gamers. The Last of Us introduced new storylines but largely preserved the narrative structure, appealing to both fans and newcomers. Similarly, a faithful Horizon adaptation could be PlayStation's first major cinematic win.

Faithfulness isn't solely about fan expectation. Horizon Zero Dawn won Best Narrative at The Game Awards 2017 and Outstanding Achievement in Story at the 2018 DICE Awards. The story, set in 31st-century North America, follows Aloy's journey to uncover her origins and their connection to the scientist Elisabet Sobeck. Aloy, along with Erend and Varl, are compelling characters, and the narrative explores Earth's climate change and the rogue AI that created the robotic creatures. The enigmatic Sylens adds further intrigue.

The intricate worldbuilding, with unique cultures and settlements, is ripe for cinematic adaptation. Like Avatar's exploration of Na'vi tribes, a Horizon film could delve into the Nora tribe's survival against robotic hunters. The unique combat encounters, featuring creatures like Sawtooths, Tallnecks, and Stormbirds, offer visually stunning potential. These elements, combined with rival tribes and the rogue AI Hades, ensure action and suspense.

Horizon's compelling story, if adapted faithfully, has the potential for critical and commercial success. Its unique world, timely themes, and cinematic aesthetic are ideal for film. The expansive story of Forbidden West offers further potential for a long-term franchise. By maintaining the elements that made the game successful, Sony can create a film franchise that matches the game's success.

A faithful adaptation is crucial. Ignoring what made Horizon great could lead to negative fan reaction and financial difficulties, as seen with Borderlands. Sony must recognize the potential and create a worthy adaptation. With other Sony titles like Ghost of Tsushima and Helldivers 2 slated for adaptation, this approach could establish PlayStation's success in a new medium.

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