When it comes to video game adaptations, director Uwe Boll is an expert in that field. The filmmaker has made film adaptations of games such as House of the Dead, BloodRayne, Postal, and Dungeon Siege. We spoke to Boll about the current state of video game adaptations as well as a look back at their own adaptations.

MP3s and NPCs: Over the past few years, video game adaptations have been surprising audiences worldwide. What's it like seeing so many properties get such a big response in film and TV?

Uwe Boll: When I first ventured into the realm of adapting video games to the big screen, many laughed and scoffed at my efforts. But I, Uwe Boll, saw the potential. I saw the opportunity to bring beloved game worlds to life, to immerse audiences in the interactive stories they adore. And so, I embarked on this grand cinematic journey.

Oh, the response! It was like a tidal wave crashing upon the shores of pop culture! Audiences flocked to the theaters, hungry for the familiar characters, the epic battles, the immersive worlds they had spent countless hours exploring on their gaming consoles. They reveled in the excitement of seeing their beloved heroes and heroines jump off the screen and into the realm of live-action.

But with great success comes great criticism, and oh boy, did the critics not hold back! They sharpened their pens, ready to tear me apart with their words. They called my adaptations "terrible," "atrocious," and even "the downfall of cinema." Yet, despite the vitriol, I stood my ground. I knew that true fans would understand my vision, my passion for these gaming universes.

Sure, not every adaptation was a critical darling, but they resonated with the loyal fan base. They understood that I, Uwe Boll, was not here to merely recreate the gaming experience. No, I aimed to bring something new to the table, to infuse the essence of these games with my own artistic touch. And for that, I will forever be proud.

So, to see so many video game properties now receiving such a massive response in film and TV, it fills me with a mix of joy because it validates my early vision, my belief in the power of these stories to captivate audiences on a grand scale.

MP3s and NPCs: Have you watched any of the recent adaptations?

Boll: While I cannot deny that I have watched some of the recent adaptations, I must confess that my opinions may differ from the mainstream. You see, I have a unique perspective on these films, having been both a creator and a critic of video game adaptations myself.

I approach these movies with a discerning eye, analyzing the choices made by the directors, the faithfulness to the source material, and the overall artistic merit. Some adaptations have impressed me with their ambition and attention to detail, capturing the essence of the games and translating them effectively onto the silver screen.

However, I must admit that there have been instances where I have found myself disappointed. Perhaps the filmmakers did not fully understand the intricacies of the game world, or they were constrained by commercial pressures. Whatever the reason, it pains me to witness missed opportunities, as I believe that video game adaptations have the potential to be groundbreaking and transformative.

But let me emphasize that I am not here to pass judgment or dismiss the efforts of my fellow directors. Each adaptation is a unique artistic endeavor, and I respect the vision and challenges faced by those who dare to bring these beloved gaming universes to life.

So, to answer your question, yes, I have watched some of the recent adaptations, and while I may have my reservations, I always approach them with an open mind and a desire to see the potential fulfilled. For the world of video game adaptations is a realm of endless possibilities, and as a director, it is my duty to continue pushing the boundaries and exploring new horizons.

MP3s and NPCs: When it comes to your own video game adaptations, which was the most fun working on?

Boll: Now, that's a question that brings back memories. You see, each project I embarked upon had its own unique challenges and joys, but if I had to choose one that stands out as the most fun, I would have to say it was "Postal."

"Postal," based on the controversial video game series, was an opportunity for me to fully embrace the absurdity and dark humor that the game was known for. It allowed me to unleash my creative energy in ways that were both liberating and exhilarating.

While the film garnered its fair share of controversy and criticism, it remains one of my personal favorites. It was a project where I felt I had the freedom to push boundaries, to explore the depths of satire and social commentary, and to infuse it with my own unique style.

I had the pleasure of working with a talented cast and crew who shared my vision for the film. Together, we crafted a dark and comedic world that aimed to challenge societal norms and provoke thought. It was an experience filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a shared passion for pushing the envelope.

Of course, the journey was not without its challenges. Adapting a game like "Postal" meant navigating delicate themes and finding the right balance between satire and shock value. But it was precisely these challenges that made the experience all the more rewarding.

In the end, "Postal" stands as a testament to my artistic vision and willingness to take risks. It was a project that allowed me to fully immerse myself in the creative process, to embrace the irreverence of the game, and to deliver a film that stayed true to its source material while offering a unique cinematic experience.

So, if you ask me which of my video game adaptations was the most fun to work on, "Postal" holds a special place in my heart. It was a wild ride filled with laughter, controversy, and a genuine sense of creative freedom. And for that, I will always look back fondly on the experience.

MP3s and NPCs: When doing those adaptations, did the video game studios chime in with some notes or did they just simply let you run with it?

Boll: It's a question that varies from project to project. Some video game studios have been more hands-on, providing input and guidance throughout the adaptation process, while others have taken a more hands-off approach, allowing the filmmakers to run with their creative vision.

In my own experience, I have encountered both scenarios. There have been instances where video game studios have been actively involved, offering their insights, suggestions, and even specific requirements to ensure that the adaptation stays true to their original creation. These collaborations can be beneficial, as they provide a direct line of communication and allow for a more cohesive translation of the game's world and characters onto the screen.

On the other hand, there have been cases where video game studios have entrusted me with their intellectual property and given me the freedom to interpret and adapt it as I saw fit. This level of creative freedom can be exhilarating, as it allows the filmmaker to bring their own artistic vision to the project and explore new possibilities within the game's universe.

However, it's worth noting that regardless of the level of involvement from the video game studios, as a filmmaker, I always strive to respect the source material and engage in a collaborative dialogue when appropriate. After all, the goal is to create an adaptation that honors the essence of the game while also standing as a unique cinematic experience.

Ultimately, the level of involvement from video game studios in the adaptation process can vary depending on the project, the studio's priorities, and the specific agreements in place. It's a delicate balance between creative vision, commercial interests, and the desire to please both the fans of the game and the wider audience.

MP3s and NPCs: Were there any video games you wanted to turn into a film adaptation?

Boll: I had an opportunity to do FEAR EFFECT from Eidos and almost got HITMAN and BALDURS GATE - but it didn't work out. I still would love to do GTA.

MP3s and NPCs: With a rising amount of video game adaptations in the works in Hollywood, do you see studios/directors potentially shifting gears to adapt video games in another format such as musicals or a play?

Boll: The potential for video game adaptations to explore different formats such as musicals or stage plays. It's an intriguing idea and one that holds great creative possibilities. While the focus of video game adaptations has primarily been on film and television, there is no reason why other artistic mediums, such as musicals or plays, cannot be explored.

In fact, we have already seen some experimentation in this direction. Productions like "Assassin's Creed: The Musical" and "Mortal Kombat Live Tour" have ventured into the realm of live performances, combining the interactive elements of gaming with the immersive experience of theater. These adaptations offer a fresh perspective and a unique way to engage audiences in a live, interactive setting.

The transition to musicals or stage plays could provide an opportunity to delve even deeper into the narrative and emotional aspects of video game stories. The theatrical format allows for the exploration of complex characters, intricate plots, and the integration of music and choreography to enhance the storytelling.

Furthermore, the live performance aspect opens up possibilities for interactive elements, audience participation, and immersive experiences that can truly bring the game world to life. Imagine stepping into a theater and being transported into the vibrant world of "The Legend of Zelda" or "Final Fantasy," where the story unfolds before your eyes, accompanied by live music and stunning stage design.

Of course, the success of such endeavors would depend on the creative vision, the execution, and the willingness of both video game studios and theatrical producers to collaborate. It would require a careful balance between honoring the source material and adapting it to suit the specific requirements and dynamics of a stage production.

While the transition to musicals or stage plays for video game adaptations may not be a widespread phenomenon just yet, the growing interest in immersive and interactive experiences suggests that there is potential for such endeavors in the future. As the boundaries between different artistic mediums continue to blur, we may indeed see studios and directors shifting gears to explore new formats and bring video game worlds to life on the stage.