Video games take inspiration from all types of content. In fact, the gaming industry has become so prominent within entertainment that titles with massive followings could see a new life on the silver screen. Since 2020, hits like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and The Last of Us have proved just how much audiences love seeing video games and cinema/television crossover into new territory.
That being said, there’s a much longer history of filmmaking influencing gaming rather than vice versa. The impact of this can be felt in just about every gaming category… even those that are a bit more niche. For example, slots are the world’s most-played casino game and there are dozens of examples of mainstream big-screen hits being immortalized into these bite-sized casino games.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular online slots that exist today, many of which are official projects based on real-life films. There’s Jurassic Park, Jumanji, and Ted. In terms of television, there’s Breaking Bad, Rick & Morty, and House of Paper. The list goes on and on, and is designed to attract slot players who enjoy these hits. But what about more hardboiled takes on Hollywood hits?
Let’s take a look back at some of the most beloved and influential video game releases that were based on the best of the box office.
GoldenEye 007 (1997)
If you’ve looked into crossover hits between gaming and Hollywood before, then GoldenEye 007 is likely one of the first titles you studied. This game remains a cult hit for gamers for multiple reasons. First, it succinctly built on the hype of Pierce Brosnan’s James Bond. Second, it introduced gamers to a new type of stealth shooter game, including the first-person perspective. Lastly, it also offered a multiplayer split-screen mode, which was one of the first of its kind.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003)
Amid George Lucas’s much-criticized Star Wars prequel releases of the early 2000s came one silver lining: this RPG nailed this franchise’s early hype. Rather than rehash a storyline from one of the Star Wars releases, developers at gaming studio BioWare took things in a new narrative direction. The game focuses on player freedom, allowing a high degree of customization and plenty of mission options that will see the main character drift toward the Light Side or the Dark Side.
Alien: Isolation (2015)
Survival and horror games are popular genres in gaming because the stakes are high and the mission is usually very clear. However, Alien: Isolation stands out because it very faithfully recreates the magic and terror of the original Ridley Scott project. In the game, players step into the shoes of Amanda Ripley, Ellen Ripley’s daughter who is on a mission to discover what happened to her mother. From its 1970s aesthetic to its weapons selection, this release nails the Alien-themed gaming experience from almost every angle.
Jurassic World Evolution (2018)
Above, we mentioned that one of the most popular online slots based on films is Jurassic World. The newly launched Jurassic Park series has helped infuse new life into the franchise—and its Jurassic World Evolution release has also helped pique interest. Rather than pit players against an escaped legion of dinosaurs, they’re instead charged with creating their own live dinosaur exhibits and environments—literally. This game builds on the success of Rollercoaster Tycoon and similar simulations, allowing fans to step into the shoes of a high-risk, dinosaur-packed theme park manager.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (2023)
Enter the new multiverse of Spider-Man. In this new release, players can step into the shoes of Peter Parker or Miles Morales, marking a brave new frontier in the realm of comic-book heroes. Since its release, it has gained critical acclaim thanks to its narrative plot and game mechanics. Both work together seamlessly to create a game that could function as part of a series or remain a stand-alone hit. At this time, there’s no official follow-up planned, but it could be announced sometime later this year or in 2025.