The relationship between films and games continues to be a close one; the two genres share many of the same audiences and are both used as a form of escapism, as well as entertainment. While cinema was the original popular art form, video games quickly developed to include the same rich narratives and identifiable characters only now players could determine what would happen next. These days, video games offer many of the same features youd find in an engaging film, including rich, colourful graphics, realistic sound, epic landscapes and intricate details. The only difference is that gamers are fully immersed in this world, rather than watching passively from the sidelines.

 

So, what has the film industry done in retaliation? Its stepped up its game, adapting the latest technology to its own advantages. A trip to the cinema is more immersive than ever before, while youve no doubt noticed an increasing number of video game movies arriving on the big screen. Of course, the video games industry has been influencing cinema for decades. From the Super Mario Bros. movie, which achieved international release in 1993, to the latest, and final live-action Resident Evil instalment earlier this year, some of the worlds greatest video and casino games have been turned to cinematic gold over the years some with more commercial success than others, of course. Now, however, the film industry is turning its head away from some of the more obvious gaming releases and finding inspiration in online casino titles, gaming apps, and free web browser games; one glance at the complimentary casino reviews left by players demonstrates how popular, and ripe for adaptation, the genre is.

 

Assassins Creed Franchise, 2016

The Assassins Creed film released just last year is a fantastic example of how the film and gaming industries have collided in the most spectacular fashion. A feast for the senses, the Assassins Creed games have always been prime cinematic fodder, offering detailed narratives, recognisable characters, and a little history for those who enjoy a good period drama as well as sweeping scenery that was crying out for a little big screen TLC. The Assassins Creed film worked because it felt like a silver screen release anyway; the legions of players keen, and curious, to view the film only serves to emphasise the crossover between film and video games and the hold that the video games industry has over cinema these days.

 

Fruit Ninja, TBA



We had to take a moment to mention the upcoming Fruit Ninja film, which is one of several app-inspired offerings to hit the big screen in the next few years. Fruit Ninja is the second most popular game ever released on iOS, with over one billion downloads since its release in 2010. The film industry was never going to let that one pass it by, and the screenplay is being typed up as we speak. Just what the film will be about nobody knows, although you can expect lots of colour, plenty of chopped fruit, and a few bombs thrown in for good measure. The fact that Fruit Ninja is being given the Hollywood treatment only furthers claims that video games are transforming the film industry; recognising the popularity of casual gaming, studios have now embarked upon numerous projects to capture the entertainment value offered by apps and free browser games.

 

Upcoming movie treats

There are some promising game-to-movie releases expected in the next few years, including; a Tomb Raider reboot, a cinematic version of 1986 arcade favourite Rampage, a long-awaited movie based on the beloved Minecraft, yet another Pokmon movie, Assassins Creed 2, a film set in the Call of Duty Universe, and Asteroids a film inspired by the most iconic arcade game ever released. Phew! Theres even room for a little 80s nostalgia in the form of a Dragons Lair movie, and a film based upon cult indie favourite Five Nights at Freddys. The diversity of these titles proves that games dont need to be big budget action thrillers in order to catch the eye of the studios. Indeed, the sheer number of game tie-ins soon to make an appearance only reinforces the idea that the games industry isnt done transforming the film industry just yet; there are still so many gaming niches to be represented on the silver screen. Who wants to hazard a guess at what will be next?

 

Although the film industry and gaming worlds are considered great rivals, theyre actually integral to one anothers success; there have been a great many video games, online games, and casino games inspired by big budget, indie, and childrens films, and a seemingly equal number of movies influences by the games, of every genre, that people choose to play. The scope for narrative development across cinema is a huge one. Rather than being restricted to games with definable characters and plots, many studios have chosen to adapt games that have little offer but their appeal. This marked shift in the way that films are created and produced demonstrates how popular the video games market has become and how keen other industries are to cash in. Perhaps well be treated to slots-inspired movies next; the sky really is the limit.