Where most video game studios are focusing their efforts on the big screen—like Ubisoft with Assassin’s Creed and Activision with Call of Duty—Electronic Arts is taking a different approach with its Battlefield franchise.
The publisher, alongside the development team at DICE, has optioned the rights for the hit series to be made into a television show, with Paramount Television and Anonymous Content heading up production, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Michael Sugar and Ashley Zalta will serve as executive producers on the show.
Although details haven’t been provided as to what the focus of Battlefield will be, considering how each release in the long-standing game series is set in a different time period ranging from historic settings to the near future. In fact, the upcoming Battlefield 1 takes place in World War I. However, the show is expected to be action-packed on the same visceral level as the games.
“Paramount TV actively seeks smart content from all sectors that will resonate with audiences and translate to compelling programming,” Paramount TV president Amy Powell said. “EA’s Battlefield has an incredibly dynamic narrative, coupled with a loyal fan base, which will allow us to bring this exciting and unique property to the small screen. We look forward to working with EA and Anonymous Content and thank Michael Sugar for his tenacity in bringing us this exciting project.”
As a result of the deal, Paramount will extend its relationship with Anonymous Content, and options such as broadcast, premium cable and streaming are being shopped around regarding interest in the Battlefield franchise.
“Battlefield has a tremendous built-in, engaged fan base, making it a highly coveted piece of IP primed for long-form adaptation,” Anonymous Content partner Michael Sugar said. “Together with EA and Paramount TV, we’ll develop the Battlefield TV series with the same commitment to robust storytelling that has made the game such a runaway success for nearly 15 years.”
Battlefield is the latest video game series to be adapted for television, as Activision announced last month that it would bring Skylanders Academy, based on its best-selling toys-to-life franchise, to Netflix this fall.
While some industry critics may be skeptical of the success of a video game property in another medium, Battlefield is thriving on its popularity. The Battlefield 1 trailer that premiered back in May has become YouTube’s most popular video game trailer to date, with nearly two million likes. And the game got huge reception last month at EA’s Play event in Los Angeles, with its 64-player multiplayer feature on full display.
There’s no premiere date for the series yet, but Battlefield fans will be able to fill the time by playing Battlefield 1 when it releases Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC in October.
