Fallout TV Series Announced for Amazon Prime
The adaptation of video game series to other forms of media does not always yield optimum results. While the Resident Evil movies remain a silver lining, the big screen conversions of Mortal Kombat, Max Payne, Super Mario Bros., and Doom were utter failures. But the recent success of Detective Pikachu and Sonic has given studios the courage to keep trying. On Thursday, Bethesda announced a partnership with Kilter Films and Amazon Prime to create a Fallout TV show. Let’s dive in.
Standing By for Nuke Cola
No other video game series needs a “win” more so than the Fallout franchise. After the botched release that was Fallout 76 in 2018, Bethesda and Todd Howard need to restore trust in the post-apocalyptic series. While releasing a better installment is the logical and traditional approach, Bethesda has opted for the unusual: a TV show.
On the surface, a television series is an odd choice; however, an episodic approach is rather clever. Video games have not translated well to movies; however, television adaptations have a history of success. From Pokemon and Sonic to Castlevania and The Witcher, the small screen is more conducive for the transition. But the question is why?
Simply put, television’s approach to storytelling is better suited for video game crossovers. Movies tend to focus on the struggles of a main character and the evolution of personality and worldview as a result of those challenges. Whereas, television series focus on abbreviated adventures with little change to the main cast. Because a character’s premise is established in a video game franchise, focusing on abridged adventures as opposed to character transitions is a smarter approach.
Although the release date is unknown, Bethesda will partner with Amazon and Kilter Films to produce the Fallout TV series. Kilter Films is the creative lead behind HBO’s Westworld series and are currently in pre-production for the upcoming Amazon series The Peripheral;. However, the studio’s next project is likely Fallout. So long as The Peripheral finishes production in 2020, the Fallout TV series could be on track to launch in 2021. Regardless, fans of the long-running Bethesda series should be excited. We will keep the community informed as we learn more details.
Conclusion
But we want to know what you think. Do you think a TV adaptation of the Fallout series will succeed? What do you think about the partnership between Bethesda and Kilter Films? Let us know in the comments below or the social media links on the right. Also, be sure to check out our other news items on Pokemon, Modern Warfare, Capcom, Blizzard and more.
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