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I know Dante's inferno is all that I can think of right now as an example....but I think developers are starting to run out of ideas. Dante was the first book related game in a long time that did not have a movie attached to it. While the game only received lukewarm reviews maybe it paves the way for more book-related games. There are a lot of classic poems and books and plays that could potentially be mined for games. I am surprised no others have come out. I mean, imagine what developers could do...with a video game version of The Time Machine, or even an epic open world Don Quixote?
Would you feel comfortable with more video games that borrow plotlines from classic literature?
*Oh. I just realized that Jason and the Argonauts also borrowed its plotline from a poem*
I'd be fine with it.
Something to consider, maybe books aren't made into games because developers are influenced by what they've read in more than one book and would rather make a game that borrows elements from multiple books (and/or movies). You know, so they're free to tell their own story while still giving a subtle shout out to their favorite authors.
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I'd be fine with it if they did the source material justice. Dante's Inferno was an incredible story that just got trashed.
I actually think there are quite a few books that would make excellent games. I blogged about that yesterday actually...Check it out if you get the chance and tell me what you think :D
Why not? Movies do it all the time. Video games could be a great way for the current generation to discover great stories from the past. Who knows... some people might play a game and say, "Wow! That was a great story!" and then decide that they want to read the book. Honestly, I wouldn't have read Lord of the Rings, but I saw the movie and it's an incredible story. Personally, I have no desire to read the book but I'm sure there are many who saw the movie and then went and read the book.
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If they can pull it off and make a great game, I don't mind a thing.
As one of the posters said, If respects are paid to the source material I see no issue with this. But if the game has to be bent absurdly like Dantes Inferno ( i havent played, only heard things and watched trailers ) maybe its not worth it.
I'm sure the game writers have done their share of book study and already try to incorporate famous works and play-ons of their favorite plot twists into games already.
That's what I did to Mass Effect
I really want to see a hardcore adaptation of Machiavelli's principles in 'The Prince' at work in a video game. I have no idea how it would work--I guess it would have to be a city/world simulator like Sims or Civ or something to pull it off. But if I could be a naughty 'true Prince' character by Machiavelli's standards instead of something vaguely 'lawful evil' I would be forever happy.
I would love if the industry would start looking to books more. There are some awesome books out there -my mind screams Philip K. Dick- that could make some truly awesome games if handled properly.