Well done, Hollywood. It seems like the studio bigwigs are getting better and better at choosing the specific properties they decide to take to the big screen. While there’s no doubt that a game’s popularity plays a big factor in choosing what to adapt to a feature film, what can’t be ignored is how fitting the material is for the film medium. WARCRAFT was perhaps the latest example of a studio not necessarily picking the best type of video game for a movie, while ASSASSIN’S CREED is an example of the opposite.
Now, THR is reporting that Legendary and video game developer Square Enix are joining forces to bring the video game LIFE IS STRANGE to the big screen. The project will also be developed and produced in conjunction with Dmitri Johnson and Dan Jevons of dj2 Entertainment. The latter man is currently responsible for adapting SONIC THE HEDGEHOG to the big screen for Sony Pictures, so he certainly has his pulse on the whole video game-to-film thing.
For those unfamiliar, LIFE IS STRANGE follows aspiring photographer and high school student Maxine Caulfield, who inadvertently discovers she has the ability to rewind time. The game has a similar play-style to THE WALKING DEAD and GAME OF THRONES Telltale Games, wherein it plays more like an interactive movie than a standard video game, with players making dialogue choices that change the outcome of the narrative.
During its episodic release, the film was praised for its strong narrative, with many critics comparing it to an indie film.
Check out the trailer for the game below:
Greg Siegel, Senior VP of Development over at Legendary Digital Studios had the following to say about this recent development:
“LIFE IS STRANGE really differs from what people think of gaming. Because there’s such a focus on character, there’s an emotional connection to the story that doesn’t happen with other games.â€
As mentioned at the top of the article, LIFE IS STRANGE certainly meets the criteria of a video game worth turning into a film, as it’s already several steps closer to a film than your average game.
One can only hope that the studios don’t don’t try and make this one a blockbusters. While there is definite potential here, I worry they’ll try and up the stakes in hopes of engaging a wider audience. One of the charms of the game was its indie feel, and an adaptation that strips that away will only hurt the end product.
What do you think? Are you excited to see what kind of film LIFE IS STRANGE turns out to be? Let us know in the comments down below!
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SOURCE: THR
