Best TV Series Based on Video Games

Recent years have seen an explosion of series based on video games, and the best of them have become major TV shows. But which series is the best? Which games did they use for inspiration? What brought their TV and video game worlds together? Here are my picks for the best TV series based on video games.

It is no surprise that video games have had a huge impact on our media landscape. Today, gaming is a big business and one of the largest entertainment industries worldwide. Consequently, video games are increasingly making their way to the small screen. In fact, a growing number of TV series are based, directly or indirectly, on award-winning video games.

Many of these adaptations owe their success to experienced TV production companies, which have the expertise to translate interactive gameplay into compelling episodic storytelling. These companies typically manage everything from casting and writing to visual effects, ensuring that the essence of the original game is preserved while appealing to a broader television audience.

Despite this growing trend, one genre remains somewhat overlooked: shows based on games that are themselves based on TV shows. To shed light on this unique category, we have compiled a list of our favorite video game shows that originated from TV shows.

Here Are the List TV Series Based on Video Games

• THE WITCHER

The Witcher, based on the fantasy novel by Andrzej Sapkowski, is an accessible, high-quality adaptation of the story. Viewers will find themselves transported into a world of witches and gypsies and will find themselves wanting to linger in this enchanting world. The Witcher differs from other fantasy series because of the unique, vibrant world it maps out, as well as the complex, complex characters. Geralt of Rivia, the main character, is a mysterious, complicated character whose strength and genius are matched only by his love of his adopted home, the Kaedweni, and his desire to protect the weak.

• TARCANE

TARCANE is an upcoming TV series based on the game franchise by Avalanche Studios. The Alaskan air scavenger pilot named Martin Walker must navigate a treacherous environment, as well as a hostile ecosystem that mimics the open-world environment of the game itself. The series will follow Walker after he becomes stranded on an unknown continent. Walker must then find a way to survive in this hostile and unforgiving setting, exploring and scavenging for resources to keep himself alive.

• CASTLEVANIA

Castlevania is a Netflix original series that is based on a video game that you probably played at some point in your life. If you grew up in the 1980s, you probably played the classic NES game, so watching this series will be like watching the movie, The Last Starfighter or playing the original Nintendo game again.

• CARMEN SANDIEGO

Carmen Sandiego was a game character dressed in a red trenchcoat and white blouse, who traveled the globe in a red Chevrolet Camaro and solved puzzles based on geography. The eponymous video game series featured Carmen Sandiego, a globe-trotting thief, and her sidekick, the Gray Ghost. All five of the Carmen Sandiego video games released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System were excellent, but the best of the bunch was Carmen Sandiego and the Golden Mask. In this game, Sandiego was leading a private investigation of her own, and solving puzzles around the world was based on geography rather than a crime.

• POKÉMON

Pokémon, or Pokémon GO, as it’s more commonly known, is a massively successful media franchise that spans many different mediums—first released in 1996—and has captivated fans of all ages. The games, the TV shows, the movies, and now—the biggest Pokémon media franchise yet—the Pokémon Go mobile game. But what’s the best Pokémon media franchise of all time?

• DIGIMON

Digimon has been a popular Japanese children’s cartoon series since it debuted in the mid-90s, but its popularity really took off in the U.S. when it made its way to U.S. television in 2001. Since then, the show has spawned several spin-offs and spin-off games, including spin-off games for the Nintendo DS, PSP, and Wii. And if you’re a diehard fan, you probably already know that a new anime series is about to debut on April 26, 2018, titled Digimon Adventure tri.

• SKYLANDER ACADEMY

SKYLANDER ACADEMY is a Netflix original. The series follows a group of teenage students as they train to become an elite Skylander, the Skylanders equivalent of a ninja. The teenagers must earn their Skylanders by completing a series of challenges, as well as making a series of difficult decisions. What sets SKYLANDER ACADEMY apart from other TV series based on video games is that it focuses on teenage characters.

Legal Complexities in Video Game Adaptations

While video game adaptations gain popularity, they also introduce legal complexities often unseen by viewers. Securing multiple layers of rights, from intellectual property and licensing to performance and distribution contracts, is essential to avoid disputes or production halts.

Furthermore, one of the most pressing concerns in these adaptations is copyright infringement. Because video games combine original storylines, characters, music, and visual design, each element must be properly licensed or cleared before it can appear on screen. Failure to do so can result in claims of unauthorized use or ownership conflicts between creators, studios, and game publishers.

To navigate these complex issues, filmmakers and production companies often engage a reputable entertainment lawyer who helps secure rights, draft agreements, and ensure that adaptations respect the original work’s creative integrity and legal boundaries, allowing creators to focus on storytelling while minimizing legal risk.

Bottom Line

In the end, video game adaptations have become a powerful bridge between gaming and television, blending immersive storytelling with cinematic appeal. As technology and creativity continue to advance, these adaptations will only grow richer, offering audiences new ways to experience the worlds they love.