Video Games Are Taking Over Hollywood

Video game movies and TV shows have been a staple in entertainment for decades — long before the nine-figure heights the industry sees today.

However, there’s no doubt that the rate at which blockbuster video game franchises get picked up by Hollywood has accelerated. In recent months, a dizzying number of announcements have made headlines.

• Gearbox and 2K’s first-person shooter “Borderlands” will be adapted into a film starring Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart and Jack Black.
• Konami’s “Metal Gear Solid” is headed to the big screen as well, with “Star Wars” actor Oscar Issac starring as Solid Snake.
• Naughty Dog and Sony’s “The Last of Us” will be adapted for an HBO series. “The Mandalorian” star Pedro Pascal and “Game of Thrones” actor Bella Ramsey have signed on. “The Last of Us Part II” sold four million copies in three days last year — the fastest-selling PlayStation exclusive ever.

New “Mortal Kombat” and “Resident Evil” films are also on the way, and last week a sequel was announced for “Sonic the Hedgehog,” which grossed $319 million last year.

Experts estimate the video game industry will reach $196 billion in revenue by 2022. As gaming soars, film and TV studios will continue to tag along.