VIDEO game adaptations of Hollywood blockbusters fell out of fashion over the last decade, but makers of the sequel to all-time top-grossing movie Avatar hope their tie-in will buck the trend.
Made by French giant Ubisoft, "Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora" is an opportunity to "extend (the universe) and give fans somewhere to go," said Jon Landau, the head of director James Cameron's production company Lightstorm Entertainment.
The Avatar follow-up set for release in late 2022 is just the latest gargantuan film project the company has steered for Cameron since the late 1980s, from "Terminator 2: Judgement Day" to "Titanic" to the first "Avatar" film in 2009.
Landau pitches the game as a complement to the new movie, a chance to explore the mythical planet of Pandora and its blue-skinned inhabitants beyond even the sprawling version on cinema screens.
"It's an extension of the experience of the movie, and the movie is an extension of the experience of the game. It goes both ways," he told AFP.
If Lightstorm succeeds, it will mark a shift in fortunes for video game tie-ins.
Through the 1990s and 2000s, no blockbuster movie release was complete without a (often half-baked) video game to go with it.
Since games take substantially longer to make than films, it was no surprise that they gained a reputation for being rushed and cynical attempts to suck a few extra dollars out of a Hollywood juggernaut, and they have all but disappeared in recent years.
But the "Avatar" producers commissioned their new game in 2017, allowing time for a serious attempt at a hit.
"We make great movies in our world. We wanted someone else to take our world and bring their expertise with the same philosophy, the same passion that we have," Landau said.
- Delays -
Admittedly, the developers have been given some breathing room by endless delays to Cameron's monumental film project, which has become something of a running joke in Hollywood.
Two sequels were initially promised after Avatar's record-breaking 2009 release, with the first initially slated for 2014.
Since then, there have been at least seven postponements and the project has swelled to four new movies, currently set for release between 2022 and 2028.
But there are certainly plenty of fans awaiting them: "Avatar" regained its crown as the highest-grossing film of all time briefly stolen by the last instalment of "The Avengers" trilogy after being re-released in China this winter.
Fans got their first taste of the game when Ubisoft presented a trailer at the E3 conference earlier this month.
It is being handled by a subsidiary, Ubisoft Massive, a 700-strong team based in Malmo, Sweden.
They are using their gaming engine Snowdrop to build a massive online world, allowing players to embody an indigenous Na'vi as they head out into the far-flung western frontier of Pandora.
ETX Studio
Sun Jun 27 2021
"Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora" by Ubisoft. ETXStudiopic
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.