There have been numerous attempts to turn popular video games into other media, including animated series, live-action shows, or even movies. The results have been mixed at best, and mostly bad at worst. However, there has been a serious shift in the narrative, recently, with numerous films and TV adaptations not only doing great, but they have become box office hits and even award winners. One of the gaming teams trying to make the most of this is Nintendo, who have multiple projects in the works under the watchful eye of Shigeru Miyamoto.
He helped make the first Mario movie a success, and with Super Mario Galaxy, The Big N is hoping that lightning will strike twice. We also know that a Legend of Zelda movie is in the works, and there might be a Donkey Kong movie coming out as well. That doesn’t even mention the special Nintendo Pictures projects that just started recently. So, in an interview with Kyodo News, Shigeru Miyamoto was asked about the push to make things happen on the big screen, and he replied simply:
“Games eventually stop running when newer versions come out, but films remain forever.”
He’s got a point there. And yes, we know that there are movements going on to preserve games, but when it comes to films and TV shows, it’s a bit easier to maintain, especially in the digital age. Another thing to consider here is that Nintendo wants to appeal to potential gamers and fans across all media, and that means reaching out to people through films, as many are sometimes willing to consume that over a video game.
When Mario’s first animated movie came out, it not only made a billion dollars at the box office, but it also caused a surge in Mario titles. Undoubtedly, Nintendo and Shigeru Miyamoto would love to see that across other franchises when their films/shows release.
Source: Kyodo News
