PlayStation Productions Head Says Adaptations Are Failures If Only Gamers Like Them

One debate that will always rage on in the gaming community is that concerning adaptations of video games. Even though the quality of recent films and TV shows based on the gaming world has improved, players are always going to be skeptical. But, the recent Last of Us premiere has levied a lot of these concerns fans have.

Asad Qizilbash and Carter Swan are the people responsible for this brilliant production of the PlayStation IP. Founders and co-heads of PlayStation Productions, these men are tasked with not letting the gaming adaptation curse hit Sony IPs. In a recent interview, Qizilbash said that their adaptations are failures if only gamers like them. 

While talking to IndieWire about The Last of Us, Qizilbash talked about the PlayStation Productions manifesto. He talked about the history of video game movies/TV shows and why things are different now. The co-head also talked about the intentions behind all of their adaptations.

Qizilbash went in-depth into what he wanted these adaptations to achieve to be a success. On the topic of movies based on popular IPs like Uncharted, the PlayStation Productions co-head said new audiences are necessary. If the adaptation only appeals to gamers, it’s not a success:

If no new audiences come and it’s just appealing to our gamers, I think we’ve failed.”

He further explains his point by saying it’s not like they aren’t making them according to the liking of players. But they also want to engage a new audience that isn’t from the original medium. So, his point does make a lot of sense. 

Asad Qizilbash further explains they passionately make these adaptations for gamers. Reaching a new demographic, however, is what determines their success for Sony as gamers are already familiar with the source material. This is why, according to him, his job is fun.

Because our job is not only to engage and passionately make something for our gamers but introduce it to a whole new audience. That’s the fun of my job.”

Continuing his point, Qizilbash says the PlayStation Productions studio never assumes watchers know the characters. However, he also honors the fans who are aware of the source material and gives them something they love. It’s truly a delicate balance.

We try to never assume people will know these characters or this story coming in. They’re coming in and they have no idea of this universe. But also honoring the pillars that we know the fans will love and expect out of something like this.”

What are your favorite game adaptations? Do tell us in the comments below.