Sony Pictures to Adapt 'Helldivers,' 'Horizon Zero Dawn' and 'Ghost of Tsushima'Sony Pictures to Adapt 'Helldivers,' 'Horizon Zero Dawn' and 'Ghost of Tsushima'

Following the success of "The Last of Us," "Twisted Metal" and "Uncharted," Sony Pictures has unveiled plans to adapt more hit PlayStation properties into films, series, anime and immersive experiences.  

The announcements came during Sony Entertainment's keynote at CES 2025, showcasing an ambitious slate of projects that continue the trend of gaming and entertainment as a global powerhouse for fan engagement. 

Movie Adaptations

Arrowhead Studios' "Helldivers 2" made waves in 2024, amassing nearly 500,000 active players at its peak. The satirical third-person shooter – inspired by Robert A. Heinlein's "Starship Troopers" – is now set to become a feature film.  

PlayStation Productions head, Asad Qizilbash, and Screen Gems president, Ashley Brucks, confirmed the project.  

"We're just getting started," says Qizilbash. "I'm excited to announce we are working with Sony Pictures on our hugely popular game 'Helldivers 2'... Our vast content creation in gaming allows us to expand our creative and cultural influence." 

Another major announcement was the development of a "Horizon Zero Dawn" film by Columbia Pictures and PlayStation Productions. 

"Horizon is one of the most exciting IPs, filled with so much potential to expand into new categories and genres," says Qizilbash. "One example is 'LEGO Horizon Adventures,' launched last November. Today, I'm thrilled to reveal we're in the early stages of adapting 'Horizon Zero Dawn' into a feature film." 

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These adaptations follow the continued effort to bring video game titles to screen, such as the upcoming Screen Gems' "Until Dawn" release and the first-ever PlayStation horror adaptation.  

Brucks emphasized the importance of honoring the source material.  

"Our close collaboration with PlayStation Productions allows filmmakers to work directly with game creators, ensuring we preserve what fans love while offering something fresh for new audiences." 

Anime Adaptations

Crunchyroll, Sony and Aniplex are joining forces to bring "Ghost of Tsushima" to the anime medium.  

"I'm pleased to share with you some exciting news," says Rahul Purini, president, Crunchyroll. "Games and anime share a special place for fans, so I'm pleased to announce Crunchyroll and Aniplex will also develop an anime television series based on the wildly popular PlayStation game, 'Ghost of Tsushima.'"  

The series will delve into "Ghost of Tsushima: Legends," the game's online mode, expanding the story's depth. Parini highlighted anime's growing global appeal.  

"Anime is not a genre but a medium, and it's one of the fastest-growing areas in entertainment,” says Purini. “By 2030, we expect the largest addressable market outside Japan and China to reach 1.5 billion. Anime resonates deeply with Gen Z and Gen Alpha, who crave access to community and connection. At Crunchyroll, we're in the business of fueling fandom." 

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Location-Based Experiences

Naughty Dog's Neil Druckmann, the creative force behind “The Last of Us,” “Uncharted” and “Jak and Daxter,” unveiled an innovative concept to bring “The Last of Us” to life through location-based experiences. 

"Since its debut just over a decade ago, we've been floored by just how beloved 'The Last of Us' has become," says Druckmann. "We're always exploring new ways to leverage our franchises. That's why I'm excited to introduce a location-based exhibit in collaboration with our Sony sister companies. You'll step into the world of The Last of Us as you navigate the infected tunnels of Seattle. This proof-of-concept phase uses groundbreaking technology to immerse your senses fully. You've never experienced The Last of Us like this." 

From the big screen to immersive exhibits, Sony Pictures and PlayStation Productions are broadening the reach of their beloved franchises and IPs through the ongoing phenomena of adaptation, entertainment, licensed goods and location-based experiences. 

Watch: CES 2025 Press Conference