MCU to Arcane: Crack the IP Code

Adapting intellectual property into new mediums is always a balancing act, but when it comes to comics, Marvel has written the playbook. The Marvel Cinematic Universe succeeded not just because of its characters or spectacle but because the filmmakers consistently returned to the source material. Decades of stories crafted by some of the best comic book writers in the business provided a wealth of inspiration.

But Marvel isn’t the only one drawing from this deep well of storytelling. DC Comics has taken a similar approach in recent years, especially with its Batman universe. Series like The Penguin and films by directors like Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight trilogy), Matt Reeves (The Batman), and James Gunn (Superman) have pulled heavily from the depth of work created by comic book writers.

A great example is Jeph Loeb, whose storytelling in comics like Batman: The Long Halloween and Hush has been explicitly name-checked as an influence on these adaptations. The Directors above have credited Jeph’s beloved and lauded material as direct inspiration for their screen stories.

Adapting intellectual property into new mediums is a balancing act, but the challenges can feel especially daunting when it comes to video games.

As someone who has worked on projects with deeply established story worlds (Star Trek, Hannibal, American Gods), I’ve seen how rewarding and complex it can be to draw from a rich, narrative-driven foundation.

But games are a different beast.

Many successful video games have incredible characters and worlds but lack the kind of clear, linear storytelling that lends itself easily to film or television. This isn’t a flaw—it’s simply the nature of the medium. Games thrive on interactivity, repetition, and player-driven experiences, often at odds with traditional narrative structures.

Consider League of Legends. Its world is vast, its characters beloved, but the stories fans cherish weren’t created through a traditional storytelling process. Instead, they emerged organically through gameplay, lore fragments, and the personal experiences of players. Translating that kind of non-linear, community-driven storytelling into a show as compelling as Arcane wasn’t an overnight task—it reportedly took eight years of development.

Contrast that with games like Uncharted, The Last of Us, or Tomb Raider. These games resemble playable movies, with grounded, human characters overcoming extraordinary challenges. The narrative beats are clear, and the arcs defined, making adaptation more straightforward (still not easy).

Then there are games like Halo. While it has a rich world and compelling lore, its protagonist, the iconic Master Chief, is a masked avatar for the player. He rarely speaks, leaving much of the emotional connection to the player’s imagination.

Adapting Halo has proven challenging because the character fans identify with is designed to be a blank slate. Writers must invent new dimensions while staying true to what fans love about the original experience.

When adapting video game IP, one of my favorite strategies is to immerse myself in the game as much as possible. I don’t just play it; I study it. I watch fan-made YouTube content, read forum discussions, and look for moments that capture the emotional highs players experience.

Fans often illuminate the core of a game better than anyone else. They distill what’s memorable, whether it’s a thrilling combat sequence, a surprising plot twist, or the unique atmosphere of a world. These player-driven moments are invaluable for identifying narrative beats that can inspire an adaptation.

When there aren’t decades of story to mine, like the Marvel Cinematic Universe famously did with its comic book roots, those player experiences become a critical resource. They help writers craft a narrative that feels authentic, even if it didn’t exist before.

Adapting a game isn’t about putting your stamp on it—it’s about honoring what made the game resonate in the first place. That requires humility and a willingness to listen to fans, players, and developers. It’s not enough to recognize that a game has millions of players or a massive world filled with dozens of characters. Without a strong story to anchor it, any adaptation risks feeling hollow.

The team behind Arcane at Riot Games understood this. It took eight years to build something that stood on its own while still being true to the essence of League of Legends. That patience paid off, resulting in one of the most critically acclaimed video game adaptations ever created.

I’ve always believed that when a movie or show truly resonates with an audience, it’s a miracle. There are so many moving parts, so many opportunities for things to go wrong, that success often feels like lightning in a bottle.

Video game adaptations, by their nature, come with unique challenges. But with respect for the IP, a willingness to explore player-driven narratives, and an understanding of what makes a game special, those challenges can be overcome.

For anyone considering adapting a video game into film or television, I’d offer this advice: take your time. Play the game. Watch how players interact with it. Find the heart of the experience and build from there.

Crafting great stories takes time. Just ask the team at Riot. And remember, you’re not facing the blank page alone. You have your scribbler’s toolbox. So, ABW. Always. Be. Writing.