Ampere’s 8 ways to make video game adaptations work

May 25, 2026 - 20:23

LONDON -- The entertainment industry is increasingly looking to Roblox and mobile games as the next big source for hit TV shows and movies. Research firm Ampere Analysis has released a new report outlining a framework for making these video game adaptations actually work, as the kids' sector sees a surge in companies mining interactive platforms for linear content.

The report identifies eight key principles. First, stay true to the core gameplay experience, ensuring the adaptation captures what makes the original fun. Second, prioritize character over plot, as recognizable avatars drive emotional connection. Third, use the adaptation to expand the game's universe rather than just retell it. Fourth, involve the game's original developers in the creative process to maintain authenticity.

Fifth, target the right platform, whether streaming, broadcast, or theatrical, based on the game's audience. Sixth, avoid overcomplicating the story for newcomers, but include enough Easter eggs for dedicated fans. Seventh, leverage the game's existing social features, like in-game events or user-generated content, to promote the show. Eighth, plan for a long-term franchise, not a one-off hit.

The analysis comes as companies like Netflix and Amazon invest heavily in adaptations of titles from "Five Nights at Freddy's" to "Tomb Raider." Ampere warns that simply slapping a known IP on a generic story is no longer enough. With billions of monthly active users on platforms like Roblox, the potential audience is vast, but the margin for error is small. The firm suggests that the most successful adaptations will treat the source material as a starting point for a new narrative, not a script to be copied verbatim.