Video game adaptations have become a major trend in Hollywood, but many, like A Minecraft Movie, are already shaping up to be disappointments. With the trailer released three weeks ago, fans are feeling skeptical—especially about the decision to use live-action actors in a world that’s mostly animated.
“The movie looks disappointing,” said Meridian senior Lason Willis. “There isn’t a real reason for the live-action characters.”
This situation feels similar to the initial backlash to Sonic the Hedgehog, where fans were outraged by Sonic’s design. Paramount listened, delayed the film, and improved Sonic’s look, resulting in a 93% audience rating. It proved that listening to fans pays off. If Warner Bros. follows this strategy, A Minecraft Movie could still turn things around.
Not all adaptation can be similarly saved however. Borderlands, for example, grossed only $32.9 million against a $120 million budget. It failed to capture interest. “Is that based on a video game?” asked senior Charley Edwards. The movie struggled because of outdated humor and an inability to adapt the game’s material for the big screen.
Similarly, Doom was criticized for being too slow-paced, losing the frantic energy that fans loved about the original game. While the first-person action scene in the film hinted that the directors understood fan expectations, it wasn’t enough.
On the other hand, Hardcore Henry, an action movie shot entirely in first-person, showed that with the right approach, a fast-paced style could have worked.
Not all adaptations fall flat, though. TV shows like Fallout and Arcane have thrived because television allows for more time to dive into a game’s complex world.
Fallout has become a fan-favorite with its faithful adaptation, drawing in both longtime players and new audiences. As senior Ravi Vancura noted, “Even though there were some inaccuracies to Fallout: New Vegas, it was still an effective adaptation.”
Arcane also defied expectations. By focusing on a few core characters, it transformed League of Legends, a game often criticized for its lack of story, into a critically acclaimed show. “It contradicted my expectations of what a League of Legends show could be,” said senior Xander Eastman.
Another recent success is Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, which helped revive interest in Cyberpunk 2077 after the game’s troubled launch. The anime, combined with a major game update, brought the game back into the spotlight. “The show got me back into the game,” commented senior Lincoln LaValle.
Ultimately, the key to a successful video game adaptation is understanding what fans want. Projects like Arcane and Sonic the Hedgehog succeed by listening to feedback, while movies like Borderlands and Doom fail by sticking to outdated formulas.
If A Minecraft Movie wants to be a hit, Warner Bros will need to listen to its audience, not just chase easy profits.