How ‘Fallout’ Reflects Hollywood’s New Approach to Video Game Adaptations

As a seasoned movie and gaming enthusiast with decades of immersion in both worlds, I must say that the collaboration between Microsoft and Jonah Nolan on the “Fallout” TV series has been nothing short of a masterclass in adaptation.

The Xbox division at Microsoft wasn’t compelled to transform their “Fallout” video game series into a television show, which is likely one reason why the recent adaptation on Amazon Prime Video has been successful among viewers and dedicated gamers alike.

This week at the Paley Center for Media’s International Council Summit in New York, Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, and Jonah Nolan, executive producer and showrunner of the “Fallout” TV series, shared insights on how the TV series was developed during a conversation. They talked about the increasing intersection between gaming intellectual properties (IP) and television, movies, and other types of media.

Spencer highlighted that the motivation behind considering a fresh take on “Fallout,” one of Xbox’s highly acclaimed franchises, as a TV drama series was significantly influenced by Nolan’s fervor for the property. This factor greatly boosted their belief that Nolan would preserve and amplify the creative essence of the game in a new format. Moreover, it signifies an evolution in Hollywood where influential creators and executives are increasingly knowledgeable about video games.

Spencer stated that there’s no need to produce a TV series or film for each property; instead, it should be a project we undertake with someone reliable, someone who can elevate the franchise. If we manage to attract 100 million viewers, this collaboration would not only boost the importance of ‘Fallout’ but also make it more significant to a larger audience.

Nolan, a TV veteran whose past series including HBO’s “Westworld” and CBS’ “Person of Interest,” dove deep into the intricacies of adapting a video game with its extensive narrative threads and details for a different storytelling medium. He equated it to the approach that he took working with his brother, multihyphenate Christopher Nolan, on “The Dark Knight” Batman trilogy.

Speaking from a storyteller’s point of view, it seems like there’s plenty of room for creativity when it comes to adapting [the source material]. This is reminiscent of our journey with the Batman films. With numerous interpretations of Batman before us, we had the liberty to say, “Let’s make it our unique take.

For several years, Nolan had been trying to contact Howard, the creator of the game developed by Microsoft’s Bethesda Games. Eventually, he received a call back. From the very start, Nolan and Howard got along famously. The first season of “Fallout” became an enormous success on Amazon Prime Video, raking in 16 Emmy nominations, including one for best drama series.

Nolan stated that his career is split evenly between creating original content for film and television, and adapting existing works. He often joked that he preferred adapting works from deceased authors because they can’t offer suggestions or feedback,” Nolan said. However, Nolan’s familiarity with the game played a significant role in the project.

Nolan pointed out that when it comes to video games, simply watching highlights or cutscenes on platforms like YouTube doesn’t give you a true feel for the game. To truly understand, you need to immerse yourself in the game itself.

Nolan chose Howard as a significant advisor throughout the process, which gave Microsoft confidence. The collaboration between them, similar to HBO’s successful first season of “The Last of Us,” another drama series derived from a game franchise, was well-received by fans. This success can be attributed in part to the active involvement of the original creators in guiding the creative team responsible for the TV adaptation.

At the beginning, it was essential to establish a creative partnership so our game development teams could grasp their unique contributions to the game’s universe, setting, and humor elements. At the same time, they needed to be open to relinquishing control when another gifted creator took charge in areas we were less skilled. Whenever we venture into new territories, it should always enrich the world we are building. I was particularly fond of the television series because it made the eccentric ‘Fallout’ universe more understandable for a wider audience.

In summary, they talked about how crucial it is to interact with fans and online content producers within our franchise for broader influence. This involves relinquishing some authority over the intellectual property, allowing others to utilize it as a means to showcase their imagination and creativity.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I find myself in a world where if one’s creative endeavors truly resonate, there will be an abundance of fans beyond just my immediate creative circle who cherish the cinematic universes we construct. It’s crucial to recognize that by empowering the community to embrace and expand upon these franchises, we all stand to benefit significantly. This understanding is key to propelling everyone’s shared interests forward.

At the International Council Summit, an audience member inquired about the possibility of Microsoft revisiting its “Halo” game franchise for a television adaptation. While Showtime already introduced a TV series based on the property in 2022 with varying reactions from fans, Spencer’s response was tentative and positive.

For years, as a veteran video game creator, I harbored a sense of envy towards Hollywood’s creative process,” Spencer explained. “Today, however, I view it more as a collaborative effort between the gaming industry, television, and film. The key to this role lies in finding suitable partnerships and exploring fresh ideas.

(Pictured: Phil Spencer, Jonah Nolan)

2024-11-16 00:17

How ‘Fallout’ Reflects Hollywood’s New Approach to Video Game Adaptations

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