Horizon Could Be PlayStation’s Big Movie Win if It Stays Faithful to the Games

Following the successful cinematic adaptation of *Uncharted* in 2022 and the critically acclaimed HBO series *The Last of Us*, a *Horizon* movie was inevitable. PlayStation Studios and Columbia Pictures have officially confirmed a film adaptation of *Horizon Zero Dawn*, bringing Aloy's origin story and the game's stunning, machine-filled world to the big screen. While still in early development, this movie has the potential to be Sony's first major video game box office triumph—provided it stays true to the source material.

Recent years have witnessed numerous successful video game adaptations on both the big and small screens. The *Super Mario Bros.* and *Sonic* movies, aimed at family audiences, set a high bar for critical acclaim and box office revenue. On television, Sony's *The Last of Us* joins Netflix's *Arcane* and Amazon Prime's *Fallout* as fan favorites. Even adaptations with mixed reviews have achieved box office success; the Tom Holland-led *Uncharted* film grossed over $400 million.

However, challenges remain. While the "video game curse" is largely a thing of the past, faithfulness to the source material is crucial. *Uncharted*, despite its box office success, wasn't the faithful adaptation many fans hoped for. Conversely, *Borderlands* and Amazon's *Like a Dragon: Yakuza* series underperformed critically and commercially, largely due to their departure from the original games' storylines, lore, and tone. They failed to capture the essence of the worlds fans loved.

These failures highlight a broader issue with adaptations. Netflix's *The Witcher*, for example, took significant liberties with its source material, altering events, characters, and overall tone. While adaptations often require changes, these examples feel drastically different from their origins. This can deeply disappoint fans—the pre-existing audience—and ultimately jeopardize the project's success.

The announced *Horizon* movie isn't the first attempt at bringing the franchise to screens. Netflix previously announced a series, and rumors circulated about a "Horizon 2074" project set in the pre-apocalypse. This polarized fans who desired a faithful adaptation of the original game's compelling narrative and iconic robotic creatures. Fortunately, that Netflix project is no longer in development, and the focus has shifted to a theatrical release. This is a smart move; the larger budget of a Hollywood film is essential to realizing the game's visual potential.

If the *Horizon* film emulates the success of *The Last of Us*, it has a strong chance of becoming PlayStation's first major cinematic win. The success of *Fallout*, *Arcane*, and *The Last of Us* demonstrates the importance of faithful adaptations. These adaptations were praised for their authenticity, respecting not only the visuals but also the tone and stories of their source material. Gamers value authentic storytelling. *The Last of Us*, while adding new elements, largely adhered to the game's narrative structure, resonating with both fans and newcomers. A similar approach for *Horizon* could yield similar results.

Faithfulness isn't just about fan expectations; *Horizon Zero Dawn* won awards for its narrative, highlighting its compelling story. Set in 31st-century North America, it follows Aloy, a Nora tribeswoman, as she unravels her origins and their connection to Elisabet Sobeck, a scientist who is Aloy's doppelganger. Aloy, along with her allies Erend and Varl, are captivating characters. The story's depth is further enriched by exploring past attempts to save Earth's climate and the emergence of the rogue AI, Hades. The enigmatic Sylens adds another layer of intrigue.

The intricate detail of each community and settlement creates a unique and immersive world, ripe for cinematic adaptation. Like *Avatar*'s exploration of Na'vi culture, a *Horizon* film could delve into the Nora tribe's survival strategies. The game's unique combat encounters, featuring creatures like Sawtooths, Tallnecks, and Stormbirds, offer spectacular visual potential. These elements, combined with rival tribes and those loyal to Hades, provide ample action and suspense for a compelling film.

Horizon's story is inherently cinematic. Its unique world, timely themes, and distinctive aesthetic are perfectly suited for the big screen. The nuances of the world and storytelling suggest a potentially successful adaptation. *Horizon Forbidden West*'s expanded story provides a vast canvas for a potential franchise. By carefully adapting the game's strengths, Sony could create a long-term, successful film franchise. This represents a significant opportunity to match the success of the game, which has captivated gamers for two console generations.

If the film retains the elements that made the game successful, it has a strong foundation. With more Sony titles slated for film and TV adaptations (e.g., *Ghost of Tsushima*, *Helldivers 2*), this approach could establish PlayStation's success in a new medium. However, deviating from what made *Horizon* great could lead to negative fan reception and financial difficulties. Let's hope Sony and its creative team recognize the potential and deliver a faithful and successful adaptation.