Prime VideoYou can’t please all the people all the time, and this is especially true for gamers.
It’s something Tim Miller, producer of Amazon’s new series Secret Level, knows all too well.
The animated anthology show consists of 15 episodes, each directly inspired by a different video game franchise – from retro classics such as Pac Man to modern multiplayer titles Honor of Kings.
Working with so many publishers and developers is a big task, but, when speaking to BBC Newsbeat, Tim admitted:
“We’re not afraid of the companies. We’re afraid of the fans.”
Secret Level is Prime Video’s latest big-budget video game-to-TV project, following. The massively successful adaptation of Fallout earlier this year.
Hollywood is increasingly looking to games — which often have a developed, passionate fanbase — as a source of new shows and movies.
Amazon and Games Workshop just announced a deal for the streamer. Make movies and TV series in his Warhammer universe.
One of the secret level episodes is based on Warhammer 40,000: Space Marines 2, a big hit for developer Saber Interactive this year.
Secret Level director Dave Wilson says there is “40 years of knowledge” behind the game’s universe, which must be balanced with the needs of the TV adaptation.
He cites the example of the Space Marines, who live by the principle “they shall have no fear”.
“If you even take it literally, you can’t really make a hero choose if he’s not afraid of the consequences of that choice, right?” Dave says.
“So there’s a literal interpretation of what it means, and then there’s a storytelling interpretation.”
Getty ImagesSecret Level stars Hollywood stars including Keanu Reeves, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Kevin Hart.
But it also includes performances by actors known for their work in video games, such as Laura Bailey, who appeared in The Last of Us: Part II.
Clive Standen, who voiced the main character in this year’s hit Warhammer 40,000: Space Marines 2, reprises the same role in the sequel to the game.
Video game actors have a higher profile than ever before, and Dave believes that fans want to support the actors behind their favorite characters and enjoy the “continuity” of seeing them in spin-off projects.
“A lot of the success comes from the actors who anchor these franchises,” he says.
“I think it’s kind of weird to cast them aside when Hollywood comes calling.”
Tim explains that the movie stars who got involved were interested in the subject.
“It’s not like it’s a huge payday for them,” he says.
“So many people play the game in the world, it’s a huge clubhouse now.
“And there are a lot of movie stars that are in that clubhouse. They also play video games.”
Prime VideoReviews of The Secret Level so far have ranged from very positive to less enthusiastic, with critics agreeing and disagreeing on their favorite episodes.
When the creators of the show talk to Newsbeat, they admit how the public will accept the show.
Debates about online gaming can often be heated.
One game included in the 15 episodes is Concord – Sony’s short-lived online shooter The PlayStation maker went offline after less than two weeks..
Its developers and staff who worked on the project were subjected to online abuse.
Tim hopes the temperature won’t run so high in the discussions surrounding the secret level.
“I would say in general that I wish there was less venom in the conversation, whether it’s on the Internet or in the public arena,” he says.
“Because it just stops people from wanting to communicate with each other.
“I would love to see it go down a little bit and everyone realize that sometimes you can’t hit the mark, but most people are sincere and try to do a good job and some Try to make.”
