By our own Folly Incarnate
In the video game industry, crafting a compelling narrative is essential for engaging players and ensuring their satisfaction. Utilizing established literary works as a foundation, particularly novels, often provides clearer guidance and a more profound story compared to entirely original narratives. This article investigates games inspired by literature, highlighting how these adaptations benefit from their deep roots for the better (and worse.)
The Witcher 3
One of the most celebrated examples of literary adaptation in gaming is The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, which won Game of the Year in 2015. Based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s the Witcher series, the game masterfully intertwines player choices with a richly crafted world, creating an experience that feels both personal and expansive. Geralt of Rivia, the protagonist, embodies a complex character shaped by the books. Players are granted the freedom to navigate their journey in various ways, leading to vastly different experiences that reflect their choices. For example, In the books, Geralt will try to help any creature with a mind that can be reasoned with instead of killing it, and you can do that in the game as well, but you can also choose to go down the berserker path and kill everything in your way if you so desire. The game leaves that up to you.
By exploring significant relationships such as those between Geralt and Yennefer, the game uncovers scenes that enhance the narrative. Their emotional tension and shared history are artfully depicted, making their exchanges meaningful for fans of the novels. (Geralt and Yennefer together on a white horse live in my head rent-free.) Additionally, characters like Ciri are shown in a more prominent role, offering her a central place in the story compared to earlier depictions. This enriched depth allows players to connect with her journey, highlighting the developers’ dedication to crafting compelling character arcs. Furthermore, the game’s intricate lore, in-game mechanics, and items showcase the developers’ love for Sapkowski’s world. This attention to detail not only serves fans of the books but also attracts new players, creating a bridge between literature and gaming. The Witcher 3 has, arguably, outgrown the source material.
Tolkien’s Enduring Influence on All Things Fantasy, Including Games
J.R.R. Tolkien was a giant amongst men, his influence on fantasy literature is unparalleled, inspiring countless new authors and extending seamlessly into the gaming industry with numerous adaptations. Titles such as Shadow of Mordor, Shadow of War, Lego Lord of the Rings, and Lord of the Rings Online demonstrate how Tolkien’s intricately crafted universe invites exploration and immersion. The success of these games can be attributed to the richly immersive world of Middle earth, which provides a very familiar yet expansive playground for players. Projects like Ardacraft, a dedicated Minecraft server with extremely talented builders recreating Middle earth for more than a decade now, highlight the enduring passion of fans, showcasing a community committed to honoring Tolkien’s legacy. This devotion to detail invites players to traverse landscapes familiar from the pages of the novels. Even twelve years after its release, Lord of the Rings Online continues to thrive, supported by regular updates and a consistent player base. Its ability to weave player narratives into the overarching lore allows for a dynamic experience that feels alive and responsive. The familiarity of Tolkien’s narrative enriches these games, allowing players to catch references and explore a world where they already know the stakes and outcomes. However, it’s worth noting that some adaptations lean heavily on the films rather than the books, leading to a different interpretation of the source material.
The Nostalgic Allure of Harry Potter
I, like many others, grew up with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. I love Harry Potter, and Hogwarts Legacy was like a dream come true. When I first played it, Hogwarts Legacy put a spell over me. The Wizarding World was so beautiful and enchanting, just like I imagined.
But alas, the spell was fleeting. For many readers, the Harry Potter series serves as an introduction to fantasy literature. With over 500 million copies sold, J.K. Rowling’s creation has left an indelible mark on generations. The Hogwarts Legacy game seeks to capture this magic, immersing players in a beautifully rendered world filled with nostalgic references to books and films. Players explore iconic locations like Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, casting spells and engaging with magical creatures.
However, in my opinion, while the setting is enchanting, the game falters in narrative depth, lacking the extremely immersive storytelling that characterizes the books. Some players have noted that despite the impressive world-building, the main story feels generic and fails to capture the emotional resonance of Rowling’s narrative.
This highlights a crucial lesson: a rich world alone does not guarantee a compelling story. The success of a game based on a beloved franchise hinge on its ability to translate the essence of the original material into an interactive experience. In the case of Hogwarts Legacy, the developers missed an opportunity to delve into themes that made the books so impactful, resulting in a game that, while visually stunning, lacks the emotional depth fans have come to expect.
Elden Ring: A Different Approach to Literary Inspiration
In contrast to Hogwarts Legacy, Elden Ring, which won Game of the Year in 2022, exemplifies how collaboration with a renowned author, George R.R. Martin, can yield outstanding results. Although set in a completely different universe, Elden Ring retains core elements reminiscent of Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. The game is a masterclass in world-building, with sprawling landscapes and a complex lore that encourages exploration. Themes of power and ambition enrich the gameplay experience without relying directly on the source material.
Remember Tywin Lannister? The man behind Westeros—there is a very subtle reference to him too.
If that doesn’t scream Tywin Lannister, I don’t know what does.
And the Grafted Greatsword? That looks remarkably like a certain throne.
Elden Ring is a great example of how narrative depth can emerge from inspiration rather than direct adaptation. Moreover, Elden Ring encourages players to piece together the story through exploration and environmental storytelling. It is not spoon-fed to you; this allows for a sense of discovery, echoing the way players engage with Martin’s intricate plots, where every detail contributes to the larger narrative. The result is a game that feels alive, inviting players to unravel its mysteries while drawing on the emotional weight of Martin’s storytelling. Vaati Vidya has poured hundreds of hours, if not thousands, simply speculating about the lore of Elden Ring through bits and snippets, vague item descriptions, and more. The possibilities for wonder are endless.
Black Myth: Wukong
Black Myth: Wukong is a groundbreaking action RPG deeply based on Journey to the West, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. This legendary tale centres on Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, and has resonated profoundly with players to the point where many in China, even those who previously did not game, purchased consoles just so that they could experience it. Let that sink in.
The impact was so profound that many bought consoles solely to play Black Myth: Wukong. Journey to the West is esteemed highly and has captivated a broad audience.
The game has created a cultural phenomenon; some companies even granted employees a day off to play Black Myth: Wukong.
Upon its release, Black Myth: Wukong shattered records on Steam, becoming the most-played single-player game ever, peaking at an astonishing 2,415,714 players, surpassing the previous record held by Cyberpunk 2077. It continues to draw over 200,000 concurrent players daily, with the concurrent player patterns reflecting a strong connection to the Chinese player base’s everyday life. This extraordinary engagement with Black Myth: Wukong showcases how Journey to the West has captivated a new generation of players eager to explore its rich folklore and Wukong’s legendary adventures. In the chart below, the spikes represent times when players in China are gaming, while the drops indicate periods when they are not.
The Comic Book Connection
Video games based on iconic comic book characters, such as Batman and Spider-Man, further illustrate the potential of leveraging existing narratives. Developers often faithfully recreate beloved characters and storylines, satisfying fan expectations. Games like Batman: Arkham Asylum and the Spider-Man series have set benchmarks in storytelling and gameplay, demonstrating how rich source material can lead to engaging interactive experiences. The understanding of what players desire enhances these adaptations, resulting in successful titles that resonate with audiences. For instance, Batman: Arkham Knight not only features thrilling combat mechanics but also delves deep into the psychology of its characters, echoing themes present in the comics. This multi-dimensional approach allows players to connect with the narrative on a personal level, blending gameplay and storytelling seamlessly.
Why Games Based on Novels Shine Brighter
When it comes down to it, games based on novels have an edge over those without source material. They tap into a treasure trove of intricate narratives and well-defined characters that make everything feel more alive, not to mention the world. Players often feel an emotional connection to the lore, deepening their game investment. Plus, having an established fan base means there’s already an audience ready to dive in, making interactions feel more meaningful and fostering a sense of community. This blend of literature and gaming creates a magic that takes storytelling and player engagement to a whole new level.
Reflecting on these examples, it becomes evident that games based on novels often benefit from the depth and familiarity that established narratives provide. While some adaptations, like Hogwarts Legacy, may falter in capturing the essence of their source material, others, such as The Witcher 3 and Elden Ring, demonstrate the potential for rich storytelling and immersive worlds.
The challenge lies in balancing respect for the original work with creative exploration. Developers must navigate the fine line between honoring the source material and innovating to create engaging gameplay. When done successfully, adaptations can elevate both the game and the narrative, CDPR has done this remarkably well. You can choose to play as a Geralt who is true to the books or play as a version that is the opposite of his character and it all fits seamlessly.
While literary adaptations often provide rich narratives, original games like Red Dead Redemption 2 also excel in storytelling. Crafted without a specific source, RDR2 immerses players in the lives of Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang. Its emotional depth proves that original narratives can resonate just as powerfully, showcasing that compelling experiences can emerge from both established literature and fresh creativity.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the bond between literature and gaming remains a source of inspiration and creativity. These adaptations highlight the power of storytelling in its many forms. Ultimately, whether drawn from the pages of a novel or birthed from original imagination, the art of storytelling in gaming continues to captivate our hearts and minds, proving that every tale, in whatever medium, has the power to leave a lasting impact.
