Video Games and Their TV Counterparts (Part 1)

Video games are bigger than ever, so big that Hollywood is knocking on many developers’ doors, with Assassin’s Creed being the most recent game to receive a movie. But have you ever played a game and thought that it could not only make a great film but also a great TV show? I have, several times. However, we haven’t seen many because there are already TV shows that are very similar to some big games. Here are 5 games and their TV counterparts.

The gameplay aspect of Assassin’s Creed is reminiscent of the intriguing island scenes in Lost, capturing what people enjoyed about the series. However, the future sequences in Assassin’s Creed, involving the magical orb, share similarities with the off-island events in Lost, incorporating flashbacks and flashforwards. Unfortunately, much like Lost, the ending of Assassin’s Creed may be confusing and disappointing. The franchise’s direction raises concerns, and it wouldn’t be surprising if it concluded in a similarly unsatisfactory manner. The developers seem uncertain about how to conclude the storyline; they could have wrapped up the magic orb narrative at the end of Assassin’s Creed 3 but chose to continue it for unknown reasons. The recent announcement of no new game in 2016, with a step back to re-examine the Assassin’s Creed franchise, suggests a potential for a disappointing or unresolved conclusion.

Two masterpieces that fans can’t stop talking about (and that’s a good thing). Both stories involve a character who has lost something valuable to them: Walt loses his company, and Joel loses his daughter. Throughout the narrative, both characters find themselves in trouble with other people. Walter is often on the brink of death due to Jesse’s mistakes, while Joel faces peril defending Ellie from raiders and the infected. Despite these challenges, both Walt and Joel serve as father figures for Jesse and Ellie, doing their best to help them in any way they can. The deep, emotional storytelling in both The Last Of Us and Breaking Bad elevates them to modern classics, setting the bar higher than ever for future games and TV shows.

Two likable killers who exclusively target bad guys. Agent 44 frequently conceals himself in costumes, seamlessly blending into his surroundings until he devises a creative way to eliminate his target. Similarly, Dexter Morgan showcases creativity in capturing his victims. Despite being a killer, he adeptly integrates into the Miami police department, often hiding in his office while plotting his next move. Both are part of long, successful franchises with occasional hiccups along the way. Agent 44 is making a comeback this year, looking better than ever, and there are rumors of a new Dexter series. Perhaps, in the future, even more similarities could be added to this intriguing list.

Before everyone argues why Vikings and not Game of Thrones? Yes, both Skyrim and Game of Thrones feature dragons, but Vikings shares a stronger similarity. Vikings follows the story of Ragnar Lodbrok, a man who explores new lands, discovers valuable treasures and resources, all while slaying numerous enemies with his axe or spear. The Elder Scrolls series mirrors this narrative. Has anyone played Skyrim and focused solely on the main missions? Very unlikely. The majority of your time is spent exploring Skyrim, engaging in battles with various enemies, and discovering valuable hidden treasures. This aspect is what makes The Elder Scrolls series great, and it’s also what sets Vikings apart as a unique and successful show.

One of the best games ever made and one of the best TV shows ever made. Before Breaking Bad and Game Of Thrones, there was The Wire, regarded by many as one of the greatest television dramas of all time. The Wire encompasses gangs, guns, money, drugs, power, and the police. Each Grand Theft Auto game follows a similar pattern, with San Andreas standing out due to its heightened focus on gangs and the police. The Wire will continue to be regarded as one of the best dramas for quite some time, and Grand Theft Auto will remain the game to beat for most developers, a status that also won’t be challenged for quite some time.

Here are 5 video games and their TV counterparts. I have 5 more on the way; felt it was too much for one blog. Thanks for reading. Please like, share, and comment with your opinions on similar video games and TV shows. Also, feel free to follow me on Twitter X @rhysbritton.