God of War Series Showrunner Sparks Backlash

The God of War Showrunner Controversy: Is Gaming Experience Essential for Adaptation Success?

Amazon’s upcoming God of War series is still in the pipeline after everyone previously making it quit last year—which, if you’ve been big into the weirdly decent era of prestige TV and animation coming out of videogames recently, should come as a relief. Kratos’ grim mien is still coming to the silver screen. The series, intended to be a retelling of the 2018 game’s story, seems a no-brainer for some glossy prestige television. You’ve got two mythologies to draw from, and an already-solid script in the videogame itself to work with and expand upon. There are far worse targets for adaptation. However, the series’ new showrunner, Ron Moore, has kicked off a flurry of skepticism during a recent interview with Katee Sackhoff by confessing that he’s (please have your pearls ready for clutching) … gasp, not a gamer! In fact, he doesn’t know anything about those newfangled controllers. “Right now I’m working on an adaptation of—there’s a videogame called God of War, it’s a big title in the gaming world, that Amazon has ordered two seasons of … that’s my new thing.” When Sackhoff points out that it’s a “daunting property”, Moore replies: “Yeah. And I’m not a gamer, so it’s even more like ‘I’ve never done this before’.” When asked if he’s tried to play God of War, he adds: “I’ve tried—I mean, I’m not a gamer. I grew up in the arcade era where you go down and you put your quarters in and bang on the buttons. I can do that, I’ll play Defender, or Asteroids, sure, bring it on, baby … but the controllers now—press R1, which one’s R1? Oh I’m dead.” Cue a flurry of headlines and articles lamenting Moore’s lack of gamer knowledge—with one clip posted to X having plenty of slighted gamers ready to wield their pitchforks. Look, I do get it—I’d be lying if the whole exchange didn’t have me clenching my teeth, watching a seemingly well-intended industry vet unwittingly ram his foot right into a hornet’s nest. Considering the atrocious videogame adaptations of years past (and some of years present) it’s easy to want a deep, enduring passion on the adaptation of your favourite thing.

A New Showrunner, A Familiar Scourge

The God of War series, following a troubled production, has a new showrunner in Ron Moore. Moore, known for acclaimed work on shows like Battlestar Galactica and Outlander, sparked controversy by admitting he’s “not a gamer.” The reaction from the gaming community, ranging from skepticism to outright hostility, highlights the sensitivity surrounding video game adaptations.

Gaming Knowledge: A Prerequisite or a Red Herring?

Moore’s lack of gaming experience calls into question the necessity of firsthand knowledge for successful adaptation. Proponents argue that a deep understanding of the source material, gameplay mechanics, and lore is essential for capturing the essence of a game.

The Case for Gaming Expertise

• Immersion and Understanding: Gamers bring an inherent understanding of the game world, characters, and mechanics. This allows them to translate these elements faithfully to the screen.
• Authenticity: A gamer’s familiarity with the source material can ensure accuracy in portraying details, dialogue, and events, enhancing the authenticity of the adaptation.
• Cultural Context: Video game adaptations often deal with complex themes and narratives that resonate with gamers. A gamer showrunner can better grasp these nuances and convey them effectively.

The Counterargument: Narrative Focus

Opponents argue that a strong narrative focus and storytelling ability are more important than gaming experience. They contend that a skilled writer can effectively adapt any source material, regardless of their personal familiarity with it.

• Storytelling First: A compelling story can transcend any medium. A talented writer can translate the core narrative of a game into a captivating screenplay.
• Research and Collaboration: A showrunner can leverage research, interviews with game developers, and collaboration with gamers to gain a thorough understanding of the source material.
• Fresh Perspective: An outsider’s perspective can bring new insights and creative ideas to the adaptation, potentially avoiding the pitfalls of overly literal translations.

The God of War Case Study: Narrative vs. Gameplay

2018’s God of War: A Narrative-Driven Experience

The 2018 God of War game, with its strong narrative focus and cinematic presentation, arguably lends itself more readily to adaptation than many other video games. The game’s story, centered on Kratos’ journey of atonement and fatherhood, unfolds through compelling dialogue, character development, and visually stunning set pieces. The game’s success is largely attributed to its ability to translate the epic scope and emotional weight of Greek mythology into a modern, interactive experience.

Moore’s Experience: A Potential Asset

Moore’s experience with complex narratives and character development in his previous work suggests he may be well-equipped to translate the game’s story to the screen. His acclaimed work on series like Star Trek: The Next Generation, Battlestar Galactica, and Outlander demonstrates his ability to handle intricate storylines, compelling characters, and high-stakes drama. These series often delve into philosophical themes and explore the complexities of human relationships, mirroring the emotional depth found in the 2018 God of War game.

Potential Challenges: Adapting Gameplay Nuances

However, the potential for missed nuances and gameplay elements crucial to the God of War experience remains a concern. The game’s combat system, with its visceral melee combat and strategic use of magic and weapons, is a key part of the overall experience. Adapting this system to the screen presents a significant challenge, as it requires finding a way to translate the tactile feel and strategic depth of the gameplay into a visual medium.

Moving Forward: Embracing Diversity and Expertise

Challenging Assumptions: Gaming Experience Not a Prerequisite

The controversy surrounding Moore’s appointment underscores the need for a broader understanding and appreciation for different creative backgrounds in video game adaptations. While gaming experience can be valuable, it should not be an insurmountable barrier for talented writers and filmmakers with a passion for the source material. Successful adaptations often come from individuals who bring fresh perspectives and expertise from outside the gaming industry.

The Value of Diverse Perspectives

A diverse range of creative voices can enrich the adaptation process by bringing unique insights and approaches to the material. Writers, directors, and producers with backgrounds in film, television, literature, and other art forms can offer valuable perspectives on storytelling, character development, and world-building.

Building Bridges: Fostering Collaboration

Ultimately, successful video game adaptations require a collaborative approach that embraces diverse perspectives and expertise. Producers, writers, and directors should actively seek out talent from a wide range of backgrounds, fostering an environment where all voices are heard and valued. This collaborative spirit can lead to more innovative, nuanced, and compelling adaptations that resonate with both gamers and general audiences.