Before the final seasons ruined everything, Game of Thrones was considered the greatest fantasy TV series in history, defining the genre with its dark story and gripping world. However, video games are the new king of media, and with that, countless games are turning into movies and shows, such as The Last of Us. While they are hit or miss, each game has infinite potential to be the next big thing.
That is why this list will feature ten fantasy video games that could be as good as Game of Thrones if they get a TV adaptation. Each game on this list has the potential to be a standout fantasy series, including the story, world, lore, characters, gameplay, aesthetic, critical acclaim, and fan opinion. Fans shouldn’t look down on video games anymore, as they could be the future of fantasy and television.
Assassin’s Creed Franchise
The Assassin’s Creed franchise didn’t use to be fantasy, and even now it isn’t fully. However, as of recently, it has blended mythology, making it eligible for this list. Each game follows a protagonist from a particular era, donning the hood and blade and becoming an assassin, taking on various threats such as the Knights Templar, Greek gods, or infamous historical figures.
This classic franchise may have failed as a movie, but a TV show could draw on its strengths better, also incorporating its fantasy elements from the new games. The fascinating story and compelling world-building mixed with stealthy gameplay are ripe with TV potential. An Assassin’s Creed show is already in production, meaning fans won’t need to speculate if it will be better than Game of Thrones.
Monster Hunter Franchise
Like Assassin’s Creed, studios have already tried a movie adaptation of Monster Hunter, but it was so unfaithful that everyone has forgotten about it. This fantasy RPG has players create a character and take on an open world full of amazing and horrifying creatures. Some monsters may be bizarre, some will be gigantic, but players can, and should, hunt every one of them.
Monster Hunter has so many phenomenal games that any one of them could make an excellent TV show, as all it needs is a large world, interesting monsters, and plenty of action. The games aren’t known for their renowned stories, but a TV show could create an original plot with the direction, world, and monsters of the games. Those factors are essential in making a remarkable Monster Hunter game and TV show.
‘Final Fantasy XVI’ (2023)
Final Fantasy has an abundance of games, but the most suitable for a TV show like Game of Thrones would be Final Fantasy Tactics or Final Fantasy XVI. As a magical drought devastates the twin continents of Valisthea, the remaining nations have a power struggle for the resources and special humans who represent them, waging a full-blown war for power that could end in disaster.
Despite being the most recent game in the franchise, Final Fantasy XVI is already a standout, mainly because its story is very similar to Game of Thrones. It may not be the best Final Fantasy game, but its narrative is top-notch and would make for an excellent TV show. With gorgeous landscapes and infectious music, this series would be a television masterpiece and a must-watch fantasy.
The Dark Souls Trilogy
Soulsborne games have become a staple Game of the Year nominee, with entries such as Elden Ring receiving a movie. However, one of the most iconic Soulsborne masterpieces is Dark Souls and its three games. Known for its challenging difficulty, staple mechanics, and dark fantasy world, this franchise has been torturing players for years.
While Elden Ring is becoming a movie, Dark Souls would fit better in a TV show, as it could fit the entire trilogy of games into three separate seasons. Its dark fantasy world is even more engaging than Game of Thrones, and while the plot may not be on par, the lore and potential of the universe can make up for it. This grim game is a fantasy staple on console, and now it could be a fantasy icon on television.
‘God of War’ (2018)
Most of the games on this list don’t have any movie or TV adaptations planned, but that isn’t the case for God of War, which resurged in popularity after the game’s revival in 2018. Kratos has now settled down, but after the passing of his wife, he and his son travel through dangerous territory inspired by Norse mythology to scatter her ashes at the highest peak.
With a TV show on the way, fans will be able to determine if God of War will become the next Game of Thrones, and if it’s anything like the game, it will be. God of War won Best Narrative and Game of the Year in 20|18, proving its story and gameplay are both top-class. God of War was a beautiful gaming experience in terms of gameplay, visuals, and story, meaning a TV series would need to do a lot to capture its magnificence.
‘Kingdom Come: Deliverance’ (2018)
All of the entries up until now have been about massive fantasy franchises, but Kingdom Come: Deliverance is one of the lesser-known, yet equally riveting games. Players control Henry, a former mercenary who joins the legion of Wenceslaus as they wage war in 1403 Bohemia, trying to get their lord on the throne and take control of the country.
While the newly released sequel is better and could be a fresh fantasy TV series, the first one is a classic that needs to happen first, with a second season covering this new game. From its period-accurate gameplay and lore to the open throne plot, this series could be a more realistic version of Game of Thrones. Its historically accurate vibe and infectious mechanics make it an incredible game that could use a show to gain more popularity.
‘Crusader Kings III’ (2020)
While this list only mentions Crusader Kings III, every single game would work as a television show that could rival Game of Thrones. Each game is set sometime during the Middle Ages, where players control and simulate a dynasty, managing politics, economics, military, religion, and familial affairs.
Strategy games aren’t the most likely to get live-action adaptations, but Crusader Kings III is arguably one of the games most like Game of Thrones because of its story. The best part about the game is that the players create the plot, meaning a series can go any direction using what is available. The sprawling landscapes and tactical gameplay make this a perfect game to be a TV show next.
The Elder Scrolls VI is one of the most anticipated games right now, but as fans wait years for that, they can replay The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. When the player awakens, they must escape from dragonfire, only to realize they are a dragonborn, prophesied to kill the World Eater before it consumes the entire continent.
Considered the definitive fantasy game for a while (some say it still is), Skyrim is a fantasy masterpiece with an in-depth NPC system and lore that makes the world feel authentic and immersive. A TV show would have almost too much to work with, as the side quests, main story, and lore are enough to create ten seasons of unfiltered fantasy goodness, making Skyrim the perfect contender to dethrone Game of Thrones.
‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ (2023)
Every once in a while, a video game comes along that redefines the genre and changes how the medium is viewed, and in 2023, it was Baldur’s Gate 3. Based on the world, lore, mechanics, and gameplay of Dungeons and Dragons, this video game is an all-time classic series. Players create their character and travel this fantastical world to try to get a parasitic creature out of their brain.
While Baldur’s Gate 3 can feel like a weirdly perfect sci-fi video game at times, it uses any and all inspiration to create a flawless fantasy experience that would flip television on its head. The care and passion put into this game are almost too good for TV and deserve to stay as a perfect game. However, if they did a TV show right, it would blow away any other fantasy project on television.
‘Dragon Age: Origins’ (2009) and ‘Dragon Age: Inquisition’ (2014)
After many years, the Dragon Age franchise returned with Dragon Age: Veilguard to mixed opinions. However, Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age: Inquisition are easily the best in the franchise, and among the greatest fantasy games of all time. The first game has players choose between a human, an elf, or a dwarf, who will lead the charge in a war against an Archdemon.
These may not be the best games on this list, but they are certainly incredible, with an engaging world, compelling characters, and a riveting narrative. Dragon Age feels the most like Game of Thrones, being a dark heroic fantasy tale with some bleak moments, but also an uplifting spirit as players take down the evil. A show could bring out the world and characters in a big way, maybe making it a better fantasy show than a game.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
- Released
- October 31, 2024
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood, Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- BioWare
- Publisher(s)
- Electronic Arts
NEXT: 10 Sci-Fi Video Game Movie Adaptations That Can Be as Great as Star Wars
