Blizzard Entertainment Eyes Expansion Beyond Gaming: Hollywood Beckons
The rush to adapt video game intellectual property (IP) into film and television is in full swing and Blizzard Entertainment appears poised to join the fray. While the company previously dipped its toes into the adaptation world with the 2016 Warcraft film, a broader expansion across its iconic franchises – World of Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, and Hearthstone – seems increasingly likely.
A Shift in Strategy: From “Blizzard Games” to “Blizzard Entertainment”
Blizzard President Johanna Faries recently articulated a shift in the company’s self-perception, stating, “We’re not Blizzard Games, we’re Blizzard Entertainment.” This subtle but significant change signals an ambition to extend the company’s reach beyond the gaming sphere. Faries emphasized a desire to “appear on every screen imaginable” and cultivate new fans who may not have decades-long ties to Blizzard’s gaming communities.
Early Discussions Underway for Multiple Franchises
According to Faries, “very generative, proactive, near-term discussions” are already happening regarding adaptations for “almost every one of our worlds.” The company isn’t limiting its vision to traditional film and television; it’s likewise exploring opportunities in music and “non-traditional spaces.” This suggests a multi-faceted approach to expanding its IP into various entertainment mediums.
Learning from Past Successes and Failures
The previous Warcraft movie grossed $439 million worldwide but underperformed domestically, barely recouping its budget and halting plans for a sequel. However, the recent success of adaptations like Fallout, The Last of Us, and Arcane demonstrates that game-to-screen adaptations can achieve both critical acclaim and commercial success. Blizzard appears to be taking note of this evolving landscape.
Overwatch: A Fan-Favorite Ripe for Adaptation
The Overwatch franchise has consistently been a popular request from fans, with many expressing a desire for more storytelling beyond the game’s cinematic trailers. Faries acknowledged this demand, stating that fan enthusiasm for expanded lore is a key driver in exploring potential adaptations.
“This is something we spot signaled to us very consistently,” she said. “So whenever we release any kind of knowledge, including cinematic theses, there’s very common expression of, I wish we could have more of this, I wish we could enjoy these stories.”
The Potential of Blizzard’s IP
Faries boldly asserted that “every IP we have could be some of the biggest linear media experiences the world has ever seen.” This ambitious statement underscores Blizzard’s confidence in the enduring appeal and narrative potential of its franchises.
FAQ
Q: Will we see a World of Warcraft movie or TV series?
A: Discussions are underway for adaptations across “almost every one of our worlds,” including World of Warcraft, but no specific projects have been announced.
Q: Is Blizzard focusing solely on live-action adaptations?
A: No, Blizzard is exploring opportunities in various media, including film, television, music, and other “non-traditional spaces.”
Q: What does Blizzard mean by “linear media experiences”?
A: This refers to traditional storytelling formats like movies and TV series, as opposed to interactive gaming experiences.
Pro Tip
Preserve an eye on announcements from Blizzard Entertainment and major Hollywood studios for official news regarding upcoming adaptations. Follow industry news sources like GamesRadar+ and Variety for the latest updates.
What Blizzard franchise are you most excited to see adapted for the screen? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
