The entertainment landscape has witnessed a significant shift over the past decade, with video game adaptations emerging as a dominant force, often drawing comparisons to and, in some cases, even surpassing the cultural impact of traditional comic book adaptations. Capitalizing on this burgeoning trend, Netflix has strategically intensified its investment in the gaming space, announcing an extensive pipeline of both video game and, increasingly, board game adaptations. Nearly two years after its last comprehensive update on this front, the streaming giant has revealed a robust slate of confirmed projects slated for release in the coming years, signaling a profound commitment to leveraging beloved interactive narratives for its global audience.
This strategic pivot by Netflix reflects a broader industry recognition of gaming’s immense storytelling potential and its dedicated, passionate fan bases. Successful adaptations like Netflix’s own Arcane (based on League of Legends), The Witcher (though primarily book-based, heavily influenced by games), and Castlevania, alongside external successes such as HBO’s The Last of Us and Amazon Prime Video’s Fallout, have demonstrated that with the right creative vision, game properties can translate into critically acclaimed and commercially successful television and film. For Netflix, these adaptations serve multiple strategic objectives: attracting new subscribers, enhancing retention by catering to existing fan communities, and diversifying its content portfolio with established, globally recognized intellectual properties.
Before delving into the exciting new projects, it’s important to acknowledge the dynamic nature of content development. While Netflix has a strong track record, not all announced projects proceed as initially planned. Several previously reported adaptations are no longer active or have shifted development:
- The Division, a highly anticipated adaptation of Ubisoft’s tactical shooter, has been officially scrapped from Netflix’s slate.
- Beyond Good and Evil, another Ubisoft property, is widely believed to be no longer moving forward with the streamer.
- Far Cry, initially announced by Netflix in June 2021, has since found a new home and is now being adapted by FX/Disney.
- Skull and Bones, yet another Ubisoft title, has seen its Netflix adaptation plans go inactive.
- A live-action movie adaptation of Carmen Sandiego, first announced in 2018, has gone quiet, as has a Mega Man project.
- Horizon: Zero Dawn, once slated as a series for Netflix with Steve Blackman attached, has also been scrapped and is now in development as a movie at Sony Pictures.
- While a spin-off of Arcane, reportedly titled Iron & Chains, is known to be in the works, this article will focus on newly detailed or updated adaptations rather than delving into existing successful franchises.
This fluid landscape underscores the challenges and rigorous curation involved in bringing complex game worlds to screen. However, the confirmed projects on Netflix’s horizon promise to deliver a rich tapestry of genres and narratives.
Upcoming Video Game Adaptations: A Deep Dive
Assassin’s Creed
- Showrunners: Roberto Patino and David Wiener
- Studio: Ubisoft Film & Television / Netflix
- Cast: Claes Bang, Toby Wallace, Nabhaan Rizwan, Tanzyn Crawford, Noomi Rapace, Sean Harris, and Youssef Kerkour
- Genre: Action / Adventure, Historical Drama
- Expected Netflix Release Date: Late 2027
The journey to bring Ubisoft’s flagship Assassin’s Creed franchise to Netflix has been a prolonged one, marked by significant anticipation and developmental hurdles. First unveiled in 2020, this massive live-action series has navigated a lengthy production cycle, including the departure of original showrunner Jeb Stuart in early 2023. However, a formal series order was finally placed in July 2025, with seasoned showrunners Roberto Patino and David Wiener now at the helm, steering the project toward completion. The Brotherhood, a cornerstone of the game’s lore, is officially back in action for fans worldwide.
While specific historical settings for the inaugural season remain undisclosed, the official logline teases a compelling narrative: "This high-octane thriller is centered on the secret war between two shadowy factions — one set on determining mankind’s future through control and manipulation, while the other fights to preserve free will. The series follows its characters across pivotal historical events as they battle to shape humanity’s destiny." This description perfectly encapsulates the core conflict of the games, promising a blend of historical intrigue and thrilling espionage.
Behind the camera, acclaimed director Johan Renck, celebrated for his work on HBO’s Emmy-winning Chernobyl, is currently directing the pilot episode. Active production is underway in Rome, Italy, and is expected to continue through October 2026. The choice of Rome for filming suggests a rich historical backdrop, potentially drawing from periods explored in the game series. The casting, kept under tight wraps regarding specific character roles, features a stellar international ensemble, including series regulars Claes Bang, Toby Wallace, Tanzyn Crawford, and Nabhaan Rizwan. They are joined by powerful recurring guest stars such as Noomi Rapace, Sean Harris, and Youssef Kerkour, adding considerable depth and gravitas to the project.
Given the extensive scale of the ongoing shoot and the predictably demanding VFX and post-production requirements inherent to a franchise of this magnitude, the historical epic is projected to debut on screens in late 2027 at the absolute earliest. This meticulous approach aims to deliver an adaptation that not only honors the game’s legacy but also stands as a cinematic achievement in its own right, learning from the mixed reception of the 2016 film adaptation.
BioShock (AKA: Rapture)
- Director: Francis Lawrence
- Writer: Michael Green
- Producers: Roy Lee, Doug Davison, Cameron MacConomy, and Strauss Zelnick
- Production Studios: Take-Two Interactive, Vertigo Entertainment, and Netflix
- Genre: Sci-Fi / Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Video Game Adaptation
- Expected Netflix Release Date: TBA
Fans have been urged to "kindly grab their diving suits" as the long-awaited live-action film adaptation of the critically acclaimed 2007 video game BioShock remains very much alive and in active development at Netflix. Hollywood has pursued a BioShock movie since the early 2010s, with various directors, including Gore Verbinski, attached over the years. The project finally found a permanent home with Netflix, enlisting Hunger Games and I Am Legend director Francis Lawrence to helm the film, working from a script penned by Oscar-nominated writer Michael Green, known for his work on Logan and Blade Runner 2049.
Despite encountering several hurdles—including industry-wide strikes, script rewrites, and budget adjustments—a highly encouraging update emerged in February 2026. Producer Roy Lee confirmed the film’s current trajectory in an interview with Collider. Lee attributed much of the delay to Lawrence’s demanding schedule, as the director has been immersed in the upcoming Stephen King adaptation The Long Walk and the next Hunger Games prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping. However, once post-production on Sunrise on the Reaping concludes around September 2026, Lawrence’s full attention will pivot back to the dystopian underwater city of Rapture.
Adding to the excitement, Lee teased a massive multimedia drop coordinated between Netflix and game publisher Take-Two Interactive. He revealed, "I know that Netflix and Take-Two are very anxious to see the movie come out because they want to have the release coincide with some of the potential new incarnations of the game." This suggests a concerted effort to create synergy between the film and future game releases, amplifying the franchise’s impact. The most recent tangible update arrived in April 2026, when Netflix renewed copyright registrations for BioShock, covering the first two main games, BioShock Infinite, and the companion novel, BioShock: Rapture, underscoring their continued commitment to the expansive universe.
Gears of War
- Director: David Leitch
- Writer: Jon Spaihts
- Producers: Kelly McCormick and David Leitch (87North Productions)
- Studio: The Coalition / Netflix
- Genre: Sci-Fi / Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Video Game Adaptation
- Expected Netflix Release Date: TBA
For over a decade, a live-action Gears of War movie remained trapped in "development hell" across various studios, including New Line Cinema and Universal. In 2022, Netflix announced its commitment to the property, bringing hope to its legion of fans. The official logline for the upcoming film adaptation promises a brutal, action-packed narrative: "A planet is on the brink of societal collapse when a threat in the form of underground creatures known as the Locust take humanity to the verge of extinction. Delta Squad, a ragtag fireteam led by disgraced sergeant Marcus Fenix, is charged with leading humanity’s last stand."
To deliver the high-octane action characteristic of the game, Netflix has assembled an expert team. Acclaimed action director David Leitch, renowned for his work on Deadpool 2, Bullet Train, and The Fall Guy, officially signed on to helm the project in 2025. Penning the script is Oscar-nominated writer Jon Spaihts, celebrated for co-writing Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films, indicating a commitment to both spectacle and narrative depth.
In April 2026, producer Kelly McCormick of 87North Productions provided an encouraging update to Esquire regarding the script’s progress. She confirmed that the team is heavily focused on developing the emotional core of the story rather than rushing to meet a premature release date. McCormick stated, "It’s a rich universe with incredible scale, emotion, mythology, and action, so our focus has always been on getting it right rather than rushing it. The project is moving well, and we’re writing diligently right now. That stage is so important… you’re not just adapting a game—you’re building a cinematic experience that honors what people love while also standing on its own as a great film."
As the script is still actively being written, official casting announcements have not yet been made. However, long-time fans will recall Dave Bautista’s very public and passionate campaign for the role of Marcus Fenix, a testament to the game’s cultural footprint. While an animated series was announced alongside the initial movie in 2022, its current production status remains unclear.
Sifu
- Writer: T.S. Nowlin
- Producers: Chad Stahelski, Dmitri Johnson, Jason Spitz, Alex Young, Dan Jevons, and Michael L. Goldberg
- Production Studios: 87Eleven Entertainment, Story Kitchen, and Netflix
- Genre: Action, Martial Arts, Fantasy, Revenge
- Expected Netflix Release Date: TBA
For enthusiasts of brutal, meticulously choreographed martial arts action, Sloclap’s wildly popular 2022 indie beat-’em-up video game Sifu is officially set for a live-action feature film adaptation at Netflix. The film’s logline captures the game’s unique, age-defying revenge narrative: "The student of a martial arts school’s master seeks to avenge the murder of his mentor. The twist, however, is that thanks to a magical talisman, each time our hero dies, he’s resurrected, but the price paid is that he ages with every use. And should he become too old too fast, his death shall become permanent, and his quest unfulfilled."
The project is being produced by 87Eleven Entertainment, the production banner spearheaded by John Wick franchise director Chad Stahelski, whose expertise in action choreography promises a high standard for the film’s fight sequences. Co-producing the film is Story Kitchen, a prominent video game adaptation powerhouse founded by Sonic the Hedgehog producer Dmitri Johnson and former John Wick writer/creator Derek Kolstad. To ensure the adaptation remains true to the game’s distinct, Kung Fu movie-inspired roots, several key figures from Sloclap, the original game development studio, including Pierre Tarno and Jordan Layani, are attached as Executive Producers.
The screenplay is being penned by T.S. Nowlin, known for writing The Maze Runner film franchise and Pacific Rim: Uprising. As of April 2026, the project is officially listed as "In Development." With the script currently being finalized, Netflix has yet to announce a director or cast for the aging protagonist. Given the inevitable intensive training required for the film’s martial arts sequences, it is anticipated that this project will not kick its way onto screens until 2028.
Untitled Clash of Clans Series
- Showrunner: Fletcher Moules
- Head Writer: Ron Weiner
- Animation Studios: ICON Creative Studio and Flying Bark Productions
- Genre: Animation, Action / Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
- Format: 30-Minute Episodes
- Expected Netflix Release Date: TBA
Prepare to upgrade your Town Halls! Netflix is officially partnering with video game developer Supercell to bring the wildly popular mobile gaming universes of Clash of Clans and Clash Royale to the streaming platform. Officially greenlit by Netflix in May 2025 and currently in production, this new animated project will adapt the beloved mobile strategy games into a half-hour serialized comedy-adventure.
The logline for the upcoming series promises familiar charm and new escapades: "Set in the iconic world of Clash of Clans and Clash Royale, this series follows a determined Barbarian who must rally a band of misfits and lead their village to fame and glory." The creative team behind the series is exceptionally strong. Fletcher Moules, who previously directed Netflix’s acclaimed animated event Entergalactic and notably directed several of the iconic, viral Clash of Clans 3D animated commercials, is serving as Showrunner and Executive Producer.
Joining him as Head Writer and Executive Producer is Ron Weiner, a comedy veteran with extensive producing and writing credits on heavy-hitters like Futurama, Silicon Valley, and Arrested Development. William Davies, writer of How to Train Your Dragon and Puss in Boots, is also attached as an Executive Producer. Bringing this vibrant world of goblins, wizards, hog riders, and barbarians to life are two powerhouse animation studios: ICON Creative Studio (Action Pack) and Australia-based Flying Bark Productions (known for Netflix shows like Stranger Things: Tales from ’85). The combined talent bodes well for a series that captures the games’ humor and action.
Untitled Minecraft Animated Series
- Showrunners: Kevin Adams and Joe Ksander
- Head Writer: A.C. Bradley
- Animation Studios: WildBrain and Flying Bark Productions
- Genre: 3D/CGI Animation, Action / Adventure, Family Spectacle, Comedy
- Format: 30-Minute Episodes
- Expected Netflix Release Date: TBA
Get your pickaxes ready! First announced in May 2024 to commemorate the franchise’s massive 15th anniversary, significant updates on Netflix’s upcoming CG-animated Minecraft series were officially unveiled at the 2025 Annecy Animation Film Festival during Netflix’s "Get Ready for What’s Next!" presentation. Positioned as a major pillar of Netflix’s upcoming "Family Spectacle" animation offerings, this project marks the very first fully serialized, traditional animated television series for the blocky gaming behemoth.
While exact plot specifics are being closely guarded, the official logline offers a tantalizing hint: "This CG-animated series will feature an original story with new characters, showing the world of Minecraft in a new light." To construct this expansive sandbox world, Netflix has assembled an absolute powerhouse creative team. Serving as Showrunners and Executive Producers are Kevin Adams and Joe Ksander, the filmmaking duo behind Netflix’s underrated 2018 sci-fi film Next Gen, as well as TMNT: We Strike Hard and Fade Away Into the Night, and the animated film 9.
During the Annecy presentation, Netflix animation executive Dominique Bazay articulated the duo’s vision: "Obviously, they want to make something authentic and familiar to Minecraft, but also create a universe that is a new experience for fans. We want to delight those long-time fans, but we want new fans also to come in through this series." Bazay also noted that the entire creative team comprises massive fans who actively play the game themselves, ensuring a deep understanding of the source material. Penning the scripts is Head Writer A.C. Bradley, best known as the creator and head writer of Marvel’s animated hit What If…?, and a key writer on Guillermo del Toro’s Tales of Arcadia universe for Netflix. The animation itself is being handled by a tag-team of industry titans: WildBrain (the studio behind Netflix’s massive video game hit Sonic Prime, and Ninjago) is collaborating with Australia-based Flying Bark Productions. While no specific release date has been announced, given the early stage of the announcement and the scale of the production, a 2027 or 2028 release seems plausible.
Overcooked
- Production Studio: A24 / Netflix
- Executive Producers: Oli De-Vine, Phil Duncan, and Gemma Langford
- Genre: Reality TV
- Format: 60-Minute Episodes
- Expected Netflix Release Date: TBA
For anyone who has experienced the chaotic joy and occasional frustration of yelling at friends for culinary missteps in the kitchen, this reality show is tailor-made. The notoriously frantic and friendship-testing video game Overcooked is officially being adapted into a real-life cooking competition series at Netflix. In a surprisingly high-profile pairing, prestige indie powerhouse A24—the studio behind critically acclaimed projects like Beef, Everything Everywhere All at Once, and Uncut Gems—acquired the rights to the hit video game in November 2025 and is currently developing the unscripted series exclusively for Netflix.
To assuage concerns that the show might lose the distinct charm of the video game, the original creators are directly involved. Serving as Executive Producers on the project are Phil Duncan and Oli De-Vine, the two founders of Ghost Town Games, who originally created the Overcooked franchise. They are joined by Ghost Town Games writer and manager Gemma Langford, ensuring authenticity and a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics and spirit. This direct involvement is crucial for translating the game’s cooperative chaos into an engaging reality format. Of course, Netflix also previously released its own special version of the game on its Cloud games service, demonstrating an existing affinity for the property.
Upcoming Board Game Adaptations: A New Frontier
Netflix’s expansion into game adaptations is not limited to video games; the platform is also making a significant push into the realm of board games, recognizing their rich lore and strategic depth.
CATAN Universe (Films, Series, and Unscripted)
- Producers: Darren Kyman, Pete Fenlon, Guido Teuber, Benjamin Teuber, and Roy Lee
- Production Studios: Asmodee, CATAN Studio, Vertigo Entertainment, and Netflix
- Format: Live-Action & Animation (Series, Features, Unscripted)
- Genre: Adventure, Strategy, Board Game Adaptation
- Expected Netflix Release Date: TBA
A wide-ranging agreement announced in January 2026 has paved the way for a massive CATAN cinematic universe. Netflix is planning ambitious adaptations across live-action features, animated series, and even unscripted reality formats, reflecting the game’s expansive potential. While exact plots for specific scripted projects are still being drafted, the overarching premise for these adaptations is: "The upcoming projects will be the first adaptation to bring the fictional island of CATAN—a place where settlers must navigate bountiful and varied landscapes, shifting alliances, and limited resources, while robbers roam the land—to life through a richly imagined narrative."
Originally created by the late Klaus Teuber and released in 1995 as The Settlers of Catan, the game has evolved into a defining staple of modern pop culture, selling over 45 million copies worldwide. To ensure these adaptations remain true to the beloved game’s strategic and cooperative roots, Klaus’s sons, Guido and Benjamin Teuber, are officially on board to produce all projects under the deal. They will be joined by producers Darren Kyman (Asmodee), Pete Fenlon (CATAN Studio), and Roy Lee (the Vertigo Entertainment producer behind massive hits like The Lego Movie and It), forming a formidable team to bring the intricate world of Catan to a broader audience.
Clue
- Production Studios: Hasbro Entertainment, The Intellectual Property Corporation, and B17 Entertainment
- Executive Producers: Rhett Bachner, Zachary Edwin, Eli Holzman, Gabriel Marano, Brien Meagher, and Aaron Saidman
- Genre: Reality TV
- Format: 60-Minute Episodes
- Expected Netflix Release Date: TBA
Was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the candlestick? Netflix is officially bringing the ultimate murder mystery board game, Clue, to life with an unscripted competition series, first announced in late 2025. The format promises to immerse contestants in a real-life game of deduction: "In the unscripted competition series, contestants will face physical and mental challenges to collect clues before stepping into a real-life game of deduction and deception. To win, they’ll have to outwit opponents and identify the who, where, and with what of the crime. Guess right and add money to the prize pot; guess wrong and you may be eliminated. With familiar suspects like Colonel Mustard, Miss Scarlett, and Professor Plum, viewers can expect suspense, surprises, and plenty of red herrings."
Bringing this massive whodunit to life alongside Hasbro are two heavy-hitting unscripted production companies: The Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC), the Emmy-winning team behind hits like Indian Matchmaking and We’re Here, and B17 Entertainment, the minds behind Netflix’s History of Swear Words. Overseeing the project on the Netflix side is development executive Jeff Gaspin. The expertise of these production houses in crafting engaging, high-stakes reality formats suggests a compelling and faithful translation of Clue‘s deductive gameplay.
Ticket to Ride
- Writers: Ben Mekler and Chris Amick
- Producers: Darren Kyman, Eric Tannenbaum, Kim Tannenbaum, Jonathan Levine, and Gillian Bohrer
- Executive Producer: Alan R. Moon
- Production Studios: Asmodee, The Tannenbaum Company, and Megamix
- Genre: Adventure, Family, Board Game Adaptation
- Expected Netflix Release Date: TBA
In early 2026, Netflix officially acquired the exclusive global rights to Asmodee’s wildly popular railway-building board game, Ticket to Ride. This substantial deal encompasses both scripted and unscripted arenas, indicating Netflix’s potential to develop a diverse range of content, from reality shows to television series, based on the IP. However, the very first project officially rolling out of the station will be a scripted feature film.
For the uninitiated, the premise of the game, launched in 2004, involves players collecting colored train cards to claim and build railway routes connecting major cities across a map. The longer the route, the more points the player scores, leading to strategic planning and competitive route blocking. The feature film concept was developed from scratch by Mel McClelland (VP of The Tannenbaum Company), McAuley Cahill (VP of Megamix), and the writing duo Ben Mekler and Chris Amick, who are officially on board to pen the screenplay. To ensure the film stays true to the spirit of the tabletop classic, the original author of the game, Alan R. Moon, is attached as an Executive Producer. This direct involvement promises a narrative that captures the adventurous spirit and strategic elements of the beloved board game.
The Forgotten Realms (Dungeons & Dragons Series)
- Showrunner / Writer: Drew Crevello
- Executive Producers: Shawn Levy, Dan Levine, and Drew Crevello
- Production Studios: Hasbro Entertainment and 21 Laps Entertainment
- Genre: Live-Action Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Serialized Drama
- Expected Netflix Release Date: TBA
The path to bringing a Dungeons & Dragons series to the screen has been a quest in itself. In 2023, a separate D&D project was officially ordered to series at Paramount+, but that iteration ultimately did not move forward. However, the iconic IP rolled a natural 20 in February 2025, when it was confirmed that a newly revamped project, currently titled The Forgotten Realms, had landed in active development at Netflix.
The official logline for this upcoming fantasy epic promises a rich and immersive experience: "This live-action Dungeons and Dragons series is based on the influential game in which players create characters from a wide range of fantasy races like elves, orcs, and dwarves and take part in elaborate role-playing through a wide range of
