Sony plans movie adaptations of popular game franchises
At Media Days, the exclusive prelude to CES 2025, Sony revealed the next phase of its plan to expand beloved PlayStation franchises on January 6. The company announced plans for film and series adaptations of several games, including Helldivers, Horizon Zero Dawn and Ghost of Tsushima.
These projects are part of Sony's focused effort to captivate existing fans while attracting new audiences. To achieve this, PlayStation Productions and Sony Pictures are collaborating with top-tier anime and media partners like Crunchyroll and Aniplex.
Helldivers
Released in February 2024, Helldivers 2 became one of the standout games of the year. In the game, players assume the role of elite Helldivers, fighting alien threats to protect the galaxy and ensure the survival of the so-called "Super Earth." Now, the franchise is headed to the big screen. Sony has emphasized its commitment to staying true to the original, aiming to capture the game's explosive action and satirical humor. The film is still in the early stages of development and it remains unclear whether it will be a live-action production or an animated feature.
Horizon Zero Dawn
The beloved open-world game Horizon Zero Dawn, set in a post-apocalyptic world inhabited by mechanical creatures, is also being adapted into a film. Sony is partnering with Columbia Pictures to delve deeper into the backstory of its main protagonist, Aloy. Like the Helldivers adaptation, this project is in its early development phase, with no details yet revealed about its visual approach.
Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima, an action-adventure set in feudal Japan, follows the journey of Jin Sakai, a samurai defending Tsushima during the Mongol invasion of 1274. The story explores his internal conflict between upholding the traditional values of a samurai and embracing the unorthodox tactics of a "ghost." Sony is planning both a film and an anime series for this iconic title. The anime, designed to complement the historical Japanese setting, is scheduled to premiere on Crunchyroll in 2027.
