Former BioWare narrative designer and writer David Gaider tweeted his concerns about the rumored Mass Effect TV series that Amazon is interested in adapting.
According to Gaider, now co-founder and creative director of game development studio Summerfall Studios, a TV series could alienate fans, as specific decisions would have to be made regarding the genre and the pre-established personality of the protagonist. In-game, the player manages to define them but, as Gaider writes: "It won't work for passive support."
Gaider's concerns also extend to other areas of the game that might not translate well to single-episode set pieces, including companions. "There's no way in hell one story could encompass them all equally," he writes.
I'm relieved that the Mass Effect/Amazon deal is for a potential TV series, not a movie. Even so, the possibility (and the same for Dragon Age) makes me a little embarrassed, unlike many fans who seem... excited? Let me explain. (Thread) November 25, 2021
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Although you seem to hope that with the right equipment and the right approach it could work. "I can think of a number of ways to do better...but there's more to it than just adapting, and that comes with its own complications."
His concerns are thoughtful and balanced, highlighting many of the issues creators face when it comes to the monumental task of transplanting a beloved story, universe, and set of characters from one medium to another.
Of course, we don't know for sure if all this is going to happen. We recently reported that sources who spoke to Deadline revealed that Amazon is considering an adaptation of the Mass Effect video game series for its Prime Video streaming service.
"Amazon Studios is close to closing a deal to develop a series based on Electronic Arts' best-selling sci-fi video game franchise," the Deadline report said, referring to the success of Electronic Arts' television adaptation. Amazon to this day as the reason for the studio's interest in franchise rights.
Analysis: Do TV Game Adaptations Really Work?
When we first heard the news of a possible television adaptation of Mass Effect, we were sure of its potential. After all, there are four story building games and worlds to build on.
Amazon would also approach this adaptation with established audience bases. Netflix has already seen some success with its Castlevania TV series, HBO's big-budget adaptation of The Last of Us games is highly anticipated, and the Halo TV series has been in the works for years (and years).
But Gaider raises some interesting considerations, which go far beyond the issues Amazon might face if it decides to make a Mass Effect TV series, and whether adapting the games to TV actually works.
Most importantly, games are inherently active, not passive, which is why so many of us enjoy them. You don't look at a character, you play, live, think and move like him. Even the best TV series can't duplicate this special magic. because it is a mean difference.
Mass Effect has a rich narrative, a robust world, and an incredible cast of characters that could present plenty of storytelling opportunities in non-participatory media. The question is whether it will have the same appeal to fans who have come to love Mass Effect by controlling the narrative on its own.