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Paul W. S. Anderson Says Adapting Games Without Playing Them Is 'Outrageous'

He argues filmmakers must engage directly with the source to capture a game's feel.

Overview

  • In a Post Games podcast interview, the Resident Evil and Mortal Kombat director said he has "no time" for non-gaming adapters and called the approach outrageous.
  • He said he requires production designers to play or watch playthroughs and expects the director of photography to study in-game camera movement.
  • Anderson outlined core rules for adaptations—respect the IP and understand what players value—to translate tone and mechanics rather than replicate scenes beat for beat.
  • He reiterated he is personally finished directing Resident Evil films, describing the series as a "forever franchise" he expects will continue without him.
  • PC Gamer noted the movie series launched by his 2002 Resident Evil has collectively grossed well over $1 billion.