Amazon Develops a Fresh Animated Series for Video Games
Firing Up the Animation Scene: Secret Level on Amazon Prime
The world of video game adaptations is on a roll, even in the face of occasional bumps. Amazon is jumping on the bandwagon, partnering with Tim Miller and Blur Studios to create Secret Level, an animated anthology series similar to Netflix's hit sci-fi series, Love, Death and Robots, but with a gaming twist. And guess what? It could bring some heavy hitters from the gaming world to life.
According to Deadline, Prime Video is in the works to develop Secret Level, an adult-oriented animation series that will adapt various video game franchises. While details about the series are scarce, sources indicate that it will feature episodes based on titles like the indie phenomenon, Spelunky, and even some from Amazon Games' publisher library, such as the somewhat questionable colonial MMORPG, New World.
With Amazon Games not exactly swimming in a pool of game titles to adapt (though it would be entertaining to see them take on their upcoming Lord of the Rings MMO while Rings of Power is still steaming), it's no surprise that Secret Level will probably branch out and adapt games from other publishers. Rumor has it that the series will initially fill its roster with adaptations of famous PlayStation franchises.
Alas, specific games are yet to be revealed, but Sony has plenty of options. With The Last of Us already at HBO, Amazon's live-action God of War adaptation in progress, and Netflix's Horizon adaptation stumbling due to allegations against its co-showrunner, there's plenty of room for Aloy, Ratchet & Clank, Astro Bot, and even Uncharted to join the party.
Exactly what the scope of the show will be remains to be seen, but it's a fascinating prospect, especially if it offers a chance to explore game series that long for exploration outside of the game world. We'll find out more if Secret Level gets a grand unveiling at Gamescom next week. Until then, share your thoughts on the series and which franchise you'd love to see animated in the comments below.
Bonus Insights:
As Secret Level promises to bring video game franchises to life in the realm of animation, several PlayStation games could potentially make the cut due to their rich narratives and immersive worlds. Here are a few possibilities:
- Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West: With a unique blend of post-apocalyptic landscapes, sci-fi elements, and a strong female protagonist, these games could present a thrilling and visually captivating episode or two.
- God of War (2018): Known for its deep mythological backdrop and a gripping father-son dynamic, an animated God of War could offer a unique take on the game's mythos.
- Ghost of Tsushima: Set in feudal Japan, this game boasts a visually stunning setting and an engaging narrative about defending against invaders.
- Ratchet & Clank: With its zany humor and action-packed adventures, Ratchet & Clank could complement the diverse tone of the series, offering endless possibilities for unique episodes.
- The Last of Us Part I: Despite already being adapted for live action, an animated take on this game could explore more fantastical or surreal elements within its intricate post-apocalyptic world, offering a fresh take on the story.
- The upcoming Amazon Prime animated series, Secret Level, might also draw inspiration from rich narratives of PlayStation games, such as Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West, God of War (2018), Ghost of Tsushima, Ratchet & Clank, and even The Last of Us Part I.
- If Secret Level does adapt stories from PlayStation games, it could provide an opportunity to explore them in a unique animated format, offering a completely different angle, like the father-son dynamic in God of War or the fantastical elements in The Last of Us Part I.
- Although Netflix's Love, Death and Robots set a high bar for animation formats, Secret Level, with its focus on video game adaptations, could introduce new styles and storytelling techniques that push the boundaries of animation, much like technology advances in the future.
- When Secret Level eventually premieres, it may redefine the television landscape, proving that animation is not necessarily limited to children's shows, but can also bring complex adult narratives from video games into the spotlight, setting a new trend for the future of television and animation alike.
