As a show concludes, it’s only natural for fans to desire more content in any form. Recently, adaptations of beloved video games like Fallout and Arcane into series have surged in popularity, yet the reverse—video games crafted from intricate television narratives—remains surprisingly underexplored.
Viewers often seek immersion in their favorite universes, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to engage with characters and explore alternate storylines through their choices. So, why haven’t we seen a flourishing trend of video game adaptations inspired by television series? Many shows boast compelling narratives ripe for gaming exploration, offering potential that deserves recognition.
In this article, we will explore some standout TV shows that would be marvelous if adapted into video games.Please note that our selection is entirely subjective, focused on the show’s potential for a gaming experience.
We will assess each entry based on its practicality for adaptation into a video game. For clarity, we are excluding gachas, mobile apps, board games, pinball machines, and crossover titles from our consideration. Furthermore, all ideas presented here are hypothetical, intended solely for entertainment purposes.If you are a game developer, consider this a goldmine of inspiration!
Spoiler Alert: Some show premises will be discussed, which may spoil key plot points for viewers who have yet to experience these shows.
10 Midnight Diner
Sit Down, Have A Drink
Let’s kick things off with a charming, introspective show—Midnight Diner. This anthology series unfolds around a mysterious chef, known solely as “Master, ”who runs a cozy diner during the late-night hours, catering to the varied lives and dilemmas of his patrons. A game inspired by this show could create a tranquil environment where the stakes remain low, focusing on small triumphs and the emotional struggles of the customers.
In this culinary-themed game, players would engage in minimalist cooking mechanics, echoing the thoughtful narratives found in similar titles like Venba and VA-11 Hall-A. The recipes players craft would not only enhance gameplay but also resonate with the individual stories of each customer.
9 The Good Place
Holy Forking Shirt!
The Good Place introduces us to Eleanor Shellstrop, who finds herself in an afterlife she believes she doesn’t deserve. To mask her dark past, she seeks help from ethics professor Chidi, sending the group into a whirlwind of moral quandaries and hijinks. A game based on this premise could take the form of a narrative-rich RPG, encouraging players to navigate philosophical dilemmas while fostering connections with quirky characters.
Imagine a dynamic morality meter that impacts gameplay and character relationships, drawing inspiration from classics like Disco Elysium and Persona. By creating unique narratives while echoing the original series’ humor, such a game could flourish within the gaming community.
8 Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Nine-Nine!
One of the most beloved sitcoms, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, revolves around the antics of a diverse detective team at the NYPD’s 99th precinct. With a combination of comedic plots and heartfelt moments, the series concluded on a high note that left many fans yearning for more. A potential video game adaptation could showcase puzzle-solving and relationship-building gameplay while allowing players to explore Brooklyn in a semi-open world.
In this hypothetical setting, players could assume the role of Jake Peralta years after retirement, introducing fresh stories and challenges as he navigates the chaos of parenthood and detective work. Let’s also not forget the fun of captivating community events, like the iconic Halloween Heist, which would be a perfect mini-game addition for players to solve!
7 You
Hello, You
The psychological thriller You centers around Joe Goldberg, whose twisted concept of love forces him into a life of obsession and murder. Instead of placing players in Joe’s shoes, a game could feature an original character with similar dark motivations, ensuring player choices significantly influence the narrative.
Through a choice-driven gameplay model, complete with sanity mechanics reminiscent of games like Dishonored and Yandere Simulator, players could grapple with moral decisions that shape the experience, lending an uneasy yet thrilling atmosphere.
6 Peaky Blinders
Nice Threads
Peaky Blinders offers a gripping glimpse into post-World War I England, revolving around the infamous gang led by Tommy Shelby. Given its intense and dramatic themes, this series holds vast potential for a rich narrative-driven action RPG.
A game set in this universe could feature tactical gameplay that mixes melee and ranged combat as players engage with rival gangs and law enforcement, all while exploring a stylishly recreated historical setting. With further ongoing storylines, there’s ample room to expand upon the Peaky Blinders narrative, allowing players to delve deeper into the world.
5 Bridgerton
How Scandalous!
For fans of romance and intrigue, Bridgerton encapsulates scandalous love affairs against a backdrop of societal expectations. The series presents a ripe opportunity for a dating simulation game, filled with customizable characters and multifaceted romance opportunities.
Envision a game where players navigate social circles, forging bonds with characters inspired by the show while keeping continuity fresh through original stories. This could blend the engaging aspects of social interactions akin to Persona with the whimsical tone present in titles like Dream Daddy.
4 Parasyte: The Maxim
A Human Or A Parasite?
Parasyte: The Maxim presents a chilling tale of body horror featuring Shinichi and his peculiar bond with the parasite Migi. Its premise lends itself to an action horror RPG, centered around the protagonist’s internal struggles while navigating a hidden world of monstrous threats.
Players could manage unique parasite abilities and engage in combat that emphasizes both skill and strategy. Given the established lore, this adaptation could delve into themes of humanity and survival, allowing players to determine their fate in an ever-encroaching horror narrative.
3 Delicious In Dungeon
Just A Tad Bit Too Enthusiastic About Monsters…
In Delicious in Dungeon, adventurers embark on quests where monsters become not just enemies but culinary delights. Adapted into a game, this concept could shine in a JRPG setting focusing heavily on cooking mechanics.
The gameplay loop could revolve around battling monsters through turn-based combat, collecting monster parts, and crafting delicious dishes, likened to Battle Chef Brigade. Considering the ongoing nature of the source material, a game adaptation seems highly plausible, enabling fans to enjoy and explore new culinary adventures!
2 Blue Eye Samurai
Abijah Fowler Was Only The Beginning
With Season 2 of Blue Eye Samurai slated for release in 2026, there is much anticipation for what lies ahead. This series tells the story of Mizu, a half-Japanese, half-white swordswoman on a quest for vengeance against her father’s oppressive legacy.
A game could either craft separate narratives unrelated to the show’s core, or introduce new characters while preserving the series’ thrilling essence, ensuring players encounter epic boss fights and engaging levels.
1 The Boys
“I’m The Upgrade.”
Honestly, you shouldn’t be surprised that The Boys would be mentioned on this list. Who can resist making a game based on a dark parody of the superhero genre that critiques comic book tropes found in Marvel and DC?
While characters like Homelander have already made appearances in various games, the universe of The Boys offers a wealth of untapped storytelling potential. A video game set in this scathing world could allow players to engage in an original narrative, complete with new characters but featuring beloved faces in cameo roles.
An open-world action-adventure game infused with RPG elements seems like a perfect fit for the gritty themes across the series, akin to classics like GTA V. Players would navigate the morally ambiguous landscape of superpowered beings, exploring a universe as complex as it is entertaining.
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