Bioware has partnered with FUNimation to produce a full-length anime film based on Dragon Age. It should be released to DVD in 2011. It seems that since major film studio plans for video game film adaptations continually fall through (despite the success of the new Prince of Persia adaption) many people have now turned to animation studios to complete their visions. FUNimation's Original Entertainment team, an initiative begun in November of 2009, will be handling the project, the first of many it has planned.
I wonder if Dragon Age is the best property for an anime film. Perhaps Bioware felt it was the more deserving, considering last month's announcement that the Mass Effect movie was officially green lit, to be helmed by former Marvel Studios head Avi Arad. And yet the mixed success of anime adaptions leaves thought that maybe this isn't such a hot idea. Halo; Legends was a success, a surprisingly excellent blend of animation styles and plots that further developed the already sprawling Halo universe. But Dead Space; Downfall was wholly unnecessary, and the more recent adaptation of the Dante's Inferno game was simply abysmal. Not to mention the stigma anime continues to carry in American society. It will certainly appeal to Bioware's fanbase, but beyond that, there may not be enough market penetration.It is unknown how this project will turn out, but one thing is for sure. With anime gaining more and more support, more executive types are beginning to recognize it's potential, and that can only be a good thing.
Now, if only there was a Bioshock anime....
0 comments:
Post a Comment