Top 10 Video Game TV Shows You Didn't Know Were Being Made

Script written by Johnny Reynolds

#10: “Fallout” (TBA)

With its desolate wastelands, mutated creatures, and deep characters, “Fallout” seems a great pick for a TV adaptation. Considering a movie would likely end up overstuffed, it’s a good thing Amazon isn’t going that route. The series was announced in mid-2020 with “Westworld” creators Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy attached as showrunners and producers. Bethesda is also producing the show, which already received a full series commitment from Amazon. Though news has been scarce since then, Joy recently spoke of her excitement for the project. Gonzo, irreverent, insane, and humorous were all words she used to describe the upcoming show. Sounds like it’s in good hands.

#9: “Splinter Cell” (TBA)

Ubisoft’s “Splinter Cell” could make an excellent ongoing thriller series, and that’s hopefully what we’re about to get. Announced in July of 2020, the show is one of several team-ups between Ubisoft and Netflix in development. Instead of live-action, Netflix and Ubisoft are going the anime route. If the streamer’s anime adaptations of “Castlevania” and “DOTA” are anything to go off of, it’s the right call. “John Wick” creator Derek Kolstad will be writing the series, which sounds to us like a match made in Heaven. The series has already received a two-season commitment from Netflix and we can’t wait to see Sam Fisher back in action even if we aren’t playing as him.

#8: “Final Fantasy XIV” (TBA)

There have been several adaptations of Square Enix’s “Final Fantasy” series over the years and another one is set to be added to the list. In 2019, Sony Pictures Television announced a live-action adaptation for the MMORPG, “Final Fantasy XIV.” It will be a partnership between Sony, Square, and Hivemind Entertainment, the production company behind Netflix’s “The Witcher.” Still set in the vast Eorzea, the series will tell an original story that focuses on a struggle between magic and technology. Sadly, we’ve gotten little update on the project since its announcement. In 2020, writer Jake Thornton told fans COVID had significantly impacted the show’s production schedule. Hopefully, we’ll hear something more positive soon.

#7: “Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix” (TBA)

In June of 2021, Netflix announced two anime adaptations for Ubisoft’s “Far Cry” series. One, simply called “Far Cry,” was given no further details, including which game in the series it would adapt. But the other has us giddy with excitement. The 6-episode long “Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix” will be based on the awesome 80s-inspired “Far Cry 3” expansion, “Blood Dragon.” Animation studio Bobbypills is attached, though Adi Shankar’s attachment is what we’re most delighted about. The showrunner and executive producer is one of the creative talents behind Netflix’s “Castlevania”, one of the best video game adaptations ever created. So yeah, hopes are high for this one.

#6: “Life Is Strange” (TBA)

A TV adaptation for Square Enix and Dontnod Entertainment’s “Life Is Strange” was announced way back in 2016 with Legendary Entertainment, though we never heard much else in the following years. However, it appears to have picked up more steam with recent additions behind the scenes. Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes joined the production in August 2021 to oversee the show’s music. Legendary has also enlisted Anonymous Content, a production company that’s worked on “13 Reasons Why” and “Dickinson.” Several games with different characters and storylines have been released since the show’s announcement. And given the series’ focus on player choice and how it affects the plot, we’re interested to see how Legendary will adapt it.

#5: “Assassin’s Creed” (TBA)

Last, but certainly not least of the upcoming Ubisoft/Netflix team-ups, is “Assassin’s Creed.” Announced in October of 2020, the adaptation is said to be a “genre-bending live-action epic.” If successful, the partnership will then lead to animated adaptations. And if you felt burned by the 2016 film, in June of 2021, Jeb Stuart signed on as writer and showrunner. Not only is Stuart about to bring us an anticipated “Vikings” spin-off on Netflix, but his long career includes writing credits for 1993’s “The Fugitive” and the original “Die Hard.” While there’s no word yet on which game in the series will serve as the basis for the show, we remain cautiously optimistic.

#4: “Brothers In Arms” (TBA)

This one should satisfy gamers and history nerds alike. Gearbox’s historical shooter series focuses on real-life events surrounding World War II. And although there have been countless shows that have chronicled the most famous war in history, the adaptation sounds like it will bring something new. Announced in April of 2020, Scott Rosenbaum of “The Shield” and “Chuck” will act as showrunner with Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford along to produce. The series will focus on Exercise Tiger; a rehearsal for D-Day that saw nearly 800 servicemen die but was covered up to protect the real invasion of Normandy. Even if we weren’t fans of the games, we’d be excited to learn more about the operation.

#3: “Disco Elysium” (TBA)

“Disco Elysium’s” narrative, which follows an amnesiac detective hired to solve a murder, won the game a handful of accolades including four at the 2019 Game Awards and 3 BAFTAs. And soon, non-gamers will get to experience its greatness. The developer behind the game, ZA/UM, announced the adaptation in June of 2020. The studio is partnering with dj2 Entertainment, which also helped produce the “Sonic The Hedgehog” movie. However, this is basically all the news we’ve been given as a writer, cast, and platform have yet to be announced. But the world of “Disco Elysium” has a lot of potential to become the next big mystery to talk about at the water cooler. So we have faith that a good adaptation is coming.

#2: “System Shock” (TBA)

Often regarded as a groundbreaking action-adventure game, 1994’s “System Shock” is set to receive a live-action TV series. Unfortunately, it will probably be a while before we see anything about it. The adaptation is the most recently announced show on this list with news having broken in October of 2021. Additionally, it will premiere on Binge, a streaming platform that won’t release until 2022. The service promises to focus on high-quality content specifically marketed to gamers. And it also has a live-action adaptation of Ubisoft’s “Driver” series in the works. We’re a little skeptical given the unproven streaming service. But for now, we’ll just have to wait and see.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Castlevania” Spin-off (TBA)

If It’s Anything Like The Original, We Can’t Wait To See What Netflix Brings Us Next

“Twisted Metal” (TBA)

The Vehicular Combat Series Has Been Gone From The Limelight For Too Long

“Sonic Prime” (2022)

A Brand New Animated Adventure Coming to Netflix With Our Favorite Hedgehog

#1: “My Friend Pedro” (TBA)

This bizarre action platformer follows a man who is instructed by a sentient, floating banana named Pedro to kill a group of despicable criminals. We’d be lying if we said we weren’t extremely curious to see how anyone can adapt that premise. The series, which will be an R-rated half-hour dramedy, was announced in July of 2020. Dj2 Entertainment of “Sonic The Hedgehog” and the upcoming “Disco Elysium” series will produce. Derek Kolstad, co-creator of John Wick and the writer of the “Splinter Cell” animated series, will write and executive produce. David Leitch, director of “Deadpool 2,” will also executive produce. That’s a lot of promise for an adaptation of a game mainstream audiences may be unaware of. But we hope it reaches them nonetheless.