In a bold move that underscores the booming trend of video game adaptations, streaming giant Netflix has reportedly snapped up the film rights to an unreleased video game. The title in question is 'Kingmakers', an action-strategy game that has captured significant attention on the Steam platform despite not yet being available to the public.
What is the 'Kingmakers' Game?
Developed by Redemption Road Games, Kingmakers is described as an epic action and strategy sandbox. It plunges players into a war-torn medieval era with a crucial twist: they are armed with a vast arsenal of modern weaponry, including AK-47s and grenade launchers. The core gameplay involves travelling back in time to change history, building a kingdom, and leading armies of thousands into massive, real-time simulated battles, either solo or in cooperative play.
The game has generated considerable hype, becoming arguably the most wishlisted title on Steam. However, its path to release has been rocky. An early access launch planned for October was delayed indefinitely just days before it was due to go live, leaving its official release date shrouded in mystery.
Hollywood Interest Undeterred by Delay
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the game's launch, Hollywood's interest has not wavered. According to a report from industry publication Deadline, Netflix has purchased a movie pitch based on the Kingmakers concept. The script is to be penned by Christopher MacBride, known for his work on Flashback and The Conspiracy.
The film project is set to be produced by Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps production company, in collaboration with Story Kitchen’s Dmitri M. Johnson, Michael Lawrence Goldberg and Timothy L. Stevenson. This deal highlights the entertainment industry's growing appetite for video game intellectual property, even before a title proves itself in the marketplace.
The Rising Tide of Video Game Adaptations
This acquisition places Kingmakers in the company of a long and increasingly successful list of video game adaptations. Recent standout examples include the 'A Minecraft Movie', which grossed close to $1 billion worldwide, Amazon Prime Video's critically acclaimed 'Fallout' series, and Netflix's own fantasy hit, 'The Witcher'. Other major franchises like The Last of Us and Tomb Raider have also successfully made the leap to screen.
Netflix's move also comes amidst broader strategic plays in the content arena. The streaming service recently made headlines with a bid to acquire a portfolio of Warner Bros assets valued at over $72 billion, signalling its aggressive pursuit of premium content to bolster its library and compete in a crowded market.
The Kingmakers film deal represents a fascinating gamble, betting on the strength of a game's premise and pre-release buzz rather than its proven commercial success. It remains to be seen how the project will develop and whether the game itself will finally see the light of day for players on Steam.
