Bethesda wants to bet on more TV adaptations like Doom, Elder Scrolls or Wolfenstein after the fake success on Amazon Prime.
From the halls of Bethesda Games Studios, it echoes the future of television exploitation driven by the success of the fake series on Amazon Prime. The studio’s head, Todd Howard, has hinted that they may further diversify the company’s intellectual properties, a move that was unlikely until recently.
Todd Howard’s Transformation: From Returning to Opening Doors
A decade ago, Howard was an impregnable wall against the idea of bringing The Fall to the small or big screen. “It’s something I’ve been in denial about for a decade,” he admitted in an interview with IGN. However, the series, which is currently airing on Prime Video, has proven that video game IPs are receiving quality upgrades, a trend that has seen the likes of Sonic the Hedgehog, The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Detective Pikachu have been highlighted by critical hits.
A meeting with legendary executive producer Jonathan Nolan was the catalyst for a change of heart for Howard. A fan of Nolan’s previous works such as The Dark Knight and Interstellar, Howard finds a kindred spirit who understands the darkness, camp charm and humor of Folt. “I wanted the show to add to the lore of the franchise. Howard explained that he had a new entry in the games. The result exceeded all expectations by integrating organically and successfully into the Fallout universe.
What’s next after Fallout’s success?
With Fallout now established as a success, Howard is more open to exploring other IPs under the right circumstances. Although cautious, the success of the series seems to have encouraged him to consider new options, not to force things and look for collaborations with a natural quality. “You never know if it’s going to work,” he admits, noting that success tends to come from a stellar cast rather than simple attempts to put on a show.
While Fallout is currently Bethesda’s only IP being adapted, Howard isn’t completely ruling out trips to other universes like The Elder Scrolls, though it’s on hold for the time being. Hope remains for fans, especially as the series of projects that come to Prime are exciting and, according to Howard, one of the most rewarding of his career.
Waiting for more legends
So the outlook for the company in the world of television adaptations looks promising. In a cautious but optimistic view, if the conditions are right and the projects prove with the accuracy that Fallout was able to establish, the studio could be on the verge of a new TV hit. Meanwhile, Elder Scrolls fans can enjoy the new Witcher on Netflix while wondering what the future holds from the developer.
Bethesda video games can have their adaptations.
In addition to the post-apocalyptic world that arrived on Prime, Bethesda has several IPs that have the potential to be successful on the screen. One of the most acclaimed is The Elder Scrolls, a saga that has captivated millions with its rich narrative and wide world. Another strong candidate is Doom, a universe of frenetic action and demonic monsters that could translate into an expressive and exciting series. No less important is Dishonored, with its steampunk beauty and plot and revenge plot, which provides a strong foundation for the visual brilliance and complex narrative.
Each of these games created worlds that could expand not only genres, but stories and characters into television or film formats, offering new depths and explorations of rich mythology.