Video Game TV Series Adaptations Stuck in Limbo

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - January 25th 2025, 19:00 GMT+1

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For this list, we’re shining a spotlight on video game TV series that were announced what feels like forever ago but seem to have vanished into the entertainment ether. Maybe they were quietly shelved, or perhaps they’ve been reincarnated as random shorts on a streaming platform (looking at you, “Secret Level”).

Which of these games do you think actually deserves a TV series adaptation? Let’s be honest – some of them sound like they'd be downright bizarre on the small screen… but hey, if we can get multiple seasons of "The Witcher," anything is possible!

Cropped Horizon Zero Dawn — Horizon Zero Dawn

The lush, post-apocalyptic world of "Horizon Zero Dawn" was poised to come alive in a Netflix series, with Aloy's journey through a land overrun by robotic creatures captivating audiences anew. However, recent reports indicate that the adaptation has been shelved, following allegations against the planned showrunner, Steve Blackman. While this development has left fans disappointed, the rich narrative and compelling protagonist of the game continue to inspire hope for future adaptations. Casting Aloy would be a pivotal choice – perhaps someone like Rose Leslie could embody her fierce independence and determination. For now, though, this project remains in stasis, much like the ancient machines that dot Aloy's world. | © Guerrilla Games

Life is Strange — Life Is Strange

The emotionally charged, choice-driven narrative of "Life Is Strange" seemed destined for a live-action adaptation. Announced in 2016, the series was set to explore the time-rewinding adventures of Max Caulfield and her best friend Chloe Price. Casting these complex characters would be crucial – imagine Saoirse Ronan as Max and Juno Temple as Chloe. The plot would delve into themes of friendship, identity, and the butterfly effect of choices, resonating with both fans and newcomers. However, since the initial announcement, updates have been as elusive as Max's ability to control time, leaving the project in a state of uncertainty. | © Dontnod Entertainment

Disco Elysium

The critically acclaimed, genre-defying game "Disco Elysium" was slated for a TV adaptation, promising to bring its unique blend of noir detective story and existential exploration to the screen. The narrative would follow the amnesiac detective navigating the politically charged city of Revachol, with casting possibilities like Oscar Isaac bringing depth to the complex protagonist. The series would aim to capture the game's rich dialogue and philosophical musings, offering a cerebral experience for viewers. However, since the initial announcement, details have been as hard to come by as a clear thought in the protagonist's fractured mind, leaving fans eagerly awaiting more information. | © ZA/UM

Alan Wake

The psychological thriller "Alan Wake" has long been rumored for a TV adaptation, aiming to translate its eerie atmosphere and narrative twists to a new medium. The story would follow the titular writer as he uncovers supernatural horrors in the town of Bright Falls, with someone like Patrick Wilson potentially capturing Alan's descent into madness. The series would strive to maintain the game's blend of suspense and action, appealing to both horror enthusiasts and fans of the original game. Despite the potential, concrete updates have been as scarce as light in the dark presence-infested woods, leaving the adaptation's status shrouded in mystery. | © Remedy Entertainment

A Plague Tale

The harrowing journey of Amicia and her younger brother Hugo, set against the backdrop of a plague-ridden France, is being adapted into a television series. French director Mathieu Turi, known for his work on "Meander" and as an assistant director on "Inglourious Basterds," is set to helm the project. The series aims to capture the game's blend of historical drama and supernatural elements, with a focus on the siblings' struggle for survival amidst swarms of rats and the Inquisition's pursuit. Casting choices remain undisclosed, but fans speculate that young talents could bring depth to the complex characters of Amicia and Hugo. As of now, production details and a release date are yet to be announced, leaving enthusiasts eagerly awaiting further news. | © Asobo Studio

System Shock

The groundbreaking cyberpunk horror game "System Shock" is being developed into a live-action TV series. The adaptation is a collaboration between Nightdive Studios, the team behind the game's remaster, and Binge, a streaming platform dedicated to gaming content. Greg Russo, known for writing the 2021 "Mortal Kombat" film, is set to write, direct, and executive produce the series. The narrative is expected to follow a hacker's battle against the malevolent AI SHODAN aboard a desolate space station. Casting details are under wraps, but fans are eager to see who will portray the protagonist and the iconic AI antagonist. Currently, the project is in development, with no confirmed release date, keeping fans on the edge for more updates. | © Nightdive Studios

Hunt Showdown 1896 — Hunt: Showdown

The atmospheric first-person shooter "Hunt: Showdown" is being adapted into a live-action series. Crytek, the game's developer, has partnered with Binge to bring the game's dark, monster-infested world to life. The series is expected to delve into the lives of bounty hunters navigating the treacherous swamps of Louisiana, battling both supernatural creatures and rival hunters. While specific plot details and casting choices remain undisclosed, the adaptation aims to capture the game's intense, suspenseful atmosphere. As of now, the project is in the early stages of development, with no announced release date, leaving fans anticipating how the game's unique setting will translate to the screen. | © Crytek

Grounded

The survival adventure game "Grounded," where players are miniaturized in a backyard teeming with insects, is being developed into an animated TV series. Obsidian Entertainment, the game's developer, is collaborating with Waterproof Studios/SC Productions, Kinetic Media, and Bardel Entertainment for the adaptation. The series will explore the adventures of four friends who are shrunk to the size of insects and must survive the perils of the backyard while uncovering a vast corporate conspiracy threatening their town. Casting details have not been revealed, but the project aims to blend humor, action, and the unique perspective of its tiny protagonists. Currently, the series is in development, with no confirmed release date, leaving fans curious about its progression. | © Obsidian Entertainment

Child of Light

Ubisoft's enchanting RPG, "Child of Light," is set to illuminate the small screen with a live-action television adaptation. This project emerged from Ubisoft's Women's Film and Television Fellowship, aiming to bring the game's fairy tale world to life. The narrative follows Aurora, a young girl transported to the mystical land of Lemuria, where she embarks on a quest to restore light to the kingdom. Casting Aurora could be a delightful challenge – perhaps a young actress like Mackenzie Foy could capture her innocence and determination. While the adaptation promises to retain the game's poetic charm and artistic visuals, specific details about the production and release date remain under wraps, leaving fans eagerly awaiting more news. | © Ubisoft

Cropped Brothers in Arms — Brothers in Arms

Gearbox Software's World War II shooter series, "Brothers in Arms," is marching toward a television adaptation. The series aims to dramatize real wartime events, focusing on the harrowing Operation Tiger – a disastrous rehearsal for D-Day that resulted in significant loss of life. Showrunner Scott Rosenbaum, known for "Queen of the South," is set to lead the project, with Gearbox's Randy Pitchford serving as an executive producer. Casting rugged, authentic portrayals of soldiers will be crucial; actors like Jon Bernthal or David Harbour could bring the necessary gravitas to the ensemble. As of now, the project is in development, with no confirmed release date, but it promises to deliver a gripping, character-driven war narrative. | © Gearbox Software

My Friend Pedro

The ballistic ballet of "My Friend Pedro" is flipping into the realm of television with a planned R-rated adaptation. The series is expected to capture the game's over-the-top action, following a protagonist guided by a sentient banana named Pedro, who encourages a spree of acrobatic violence against criminal underworld figures. Casting someone with a flair for physicality and dark humor – perhaps Joseph Gordon-Levitt – could embody the lead role effectively. The adaptation aims to blend intense action sequences with a surreal narrative, staying true to the game's unique style. Currently, the project is in the early stages of development, with no announced release date, leaving fans eager to see how this frenetic experience translates to the screen. | © DeadToast Entertainment

Skull and Bones — Skull & Bones

Ubisoft's pirate adventure game, "Skull & Bones," is setting sail toward a television adaptation. The series is envisioned as a female-driven drama, exploring the high seas' treacherous world during the golden age of piracy. Casting strong, dynamic actresses – such as Thandiwe Newton or Jodie Turner-Smith – could bring depth to the lead roles. The narrative is expected to delve into themes of power, betrayal, and survival, mirroring the game's focus on naval combat and pirate lore. As of now, the project is in development, with no confirmed release date, but it promises to deliver a swashbuckling saga that could captivate audiences. | © Ubisoft

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Adapting video games into TV series sounds like a match made in entertainment heaven. Games are packed with rich worlds, gripping narratives, and characters that fans adore. But for every "The Last of Us" or "Arcane" that makes it to the screen, there are plenty of adaptations that get announced with fanfare only to vanish into the ether. Whether it’s a creative clash, production delays, or just a lack of updates, these projects seem stuck in development limbo, leaving fans wondering if they’ll ever see the light of day.

From ambitious epics to quirky indie favorites, we’re diving into the TV adaptations that are still buffering. Could they still make it to our screens, or are they destined to remain unfinished levels in the entertainment pipeline? Let’s find out!