If you thought the era of astoundingly stupid movie deals based on video games with no plot, structure, or characters had peaked with studios buying movie rights for Monopoly, The Sims, and Battleship, rest assured there’s plenty where that came from. Farmville is apparently the newest IP to get the movie treatment without having so much as a line of dialogue.
The Trend of Video Game Adaptations
The trend of adapting video games into movies is not new, but it has certainly taken some unexpected turns. While some adaptations like “Resident Evil” and “Tomb Raider” have found moderate success, others have left audiences scratching their heads. The decision to turn Farmville, a game primarily about managing a virtual farm, into a movie raises several questions about the creative direction and potential audience for such a project.
And if it all seemed like harmless idiocy destined to line some production company’s portfolio back when it kicked off, this particular non-movie actually has considerable talent attached. Alec Sokolow and Joel Cohen, writers of Pixar’s Toy Story, have been tapped to provide a script. This attachment of high-profile writers suggests that the project is being taken seriously, despite its seemingly absurd premise.
“We are also working on several new and very exciting opportunities. We’re in conversations with Zynga to do something with one of their brands. Can’t really say too much on that front yet, but ‘Old MacDonald’ didn’t have a factory, if you get our drift,” according to one of them. Maybe Old MacDonald was in the Mafia?
Challenges and Opportunities
Adapting a game like Farmville into a movie presents unique challenges. The game itself lacks a narrative structure, compelling characters, or dramatic tension—all elements crucial for a successful film. However, this also offers a blank canvas for creative storytelling. The writers could potentially craft an entirely new story set in the Farmville universe, perhaps focusing on themes of community, sustainability, or even a comedic take on the trials and tribulations of farm life.
Moreover, the involvement of Sokolow and Cohen could bring a level of depth and humor that might make the film appealing to a broader audience. Their experience with Toy Story, a film that successfully blended humor, emotion, and adventure, could be invaluable in transforming Farmville into a compelling narrative.
Potential Impact on the Industry
The decision to adapt Farmville into a movie could have broader implications for the entertainment industry. If successful, it might pave the way for other seemingly unadaptable games to make their way to the big screen. This could lead to a new wave of video game adaptations, expanding the scope of what is considered viable source material for films.
On the other hand, if the Farmville movie fails, it could serve as a cautionary tale for studios, highlighting the risks of investing in properties without inherent narrative strengths. Either way, the project is likely to be closely watched by industry insiders and audiences alike.
In conclusion, while the idea of a Farmville movie might initially seem ludicrous, the involvement of talented writers and the potential for creative storytelling make it a project worth keeping an eye on. Whether it will succeed or fail remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly represents an intriguing development in the ongoing relationship between video games and movies.
Source Eurogamer
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