Major studios and streaming platforms are accelerating their push into video game adaptations, with commissions increasing by an average of 30% per year since 2019, according to new research by Ampere Analysis.
The research shows that video game adaptation commissions have grown steadily since 2019, with 272 titles greenlit between 2019 and 2025, peaking in 2024 with 62 new commissions amid intensified competition between streaming platforms and studios.
The market has shifted decisively towards live-action adaptations, driven by the recent success of high-profile titles such as The Last of Us and A Minecraft Movie. In 2025, 69% of commissioned adaptations were live-action, more than double the share from the previous year.
In the second half of 2025 alone, 18 new game adaptations were commissioned, with 78% of these live-action, reflecting studios’ increased confidence in large-scale, premium productions.
Major studios, including Warner Bros., Paramount, Netflix, Comcast, and Amazon, have already secured rights to 10 marquee game franchises, with the commissions reflecting each studio's distribution strategy. Warner Bros. and Paramount Skydance are betting on theatrical releases. Amazon, Disney, Netflix, and Comcast prefer episodic content to deepen SVOD engagement.
Despite heavy competition, several game IPs with strong popularity, recent releases, and distinctive worlds remain unclaimed according to Ampere’s research. That list includes four particularly high-profile titles: Baldur’s Gate III, Black Myth: Wu Kong, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Sons of the Forest.
Ronald Santa-Cruz, Research Manager and Games Subject Matter Expert at
Ampere Analysis, said: “Studios have moved quickly to secure the biggest and most obvious game franchises, but our research shows there is still significant untapped potential in the market. The most successful adaptations tend to combine a clearly defined story with a format suited to live action and an addressable audience that extends beyond core fans. For studios willing to look beyond the usual suspects, there remains a strong pipeline of game IP that could translate into the next major transmedia success.”
HbbTV Association formally integrates DRM in HbbTV 2.0.5
The HbbTV Association has published version 2.0.5 of its core specification, which formally integrates digital rights management (DRM). While HbbTV devices have supported DRM for many years, this is the first time it has been explicitly defined, providing a harmonised, interoperable approach across the ecosystem.
Netflix withdraws from race to acquire Warner Bros Discovery
Netflix has withdrawn from the race to acquire Warner Bros Discovery, leaving the way clear for Paramount Skydance to win the months-long battle for the historic Hollywood studio.
Avatar: Fire and Ash leads at Visual Effects Society awards
Avatar: Fire and Ash was the big winner at the Visual Effects Society’s 24th Annual VES Awards, taking home seven awards in total, including the top prize of Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature.
UK set to enhance regulation of major streamers such as Netflix and Disney+
The UK's biggest video-on-demand services will have to follow the same content and accessibility rules as traditional broadcasters, under new government legislation.
Charity publishes set of principles for mentally healthy productions
The Film and TV Charity has unveiled its new ‘Principles for Mentally Healthy Productions’ to help address systemic pressures and poor working practices across the UK screen sector, aiming to improve culture and conditions on productions.
.jpg)
.jpg)