Vampire Survivors developer Poncle has shed light on the challenges of adapting their game into a film, especially given its unique nature. Initially announced as an animated series in 2023, the project has now shifted to a live-action film in collaboration with Story Kitchen, as revealed in a recent Steam post. The primary hurdle, Poncle notes, is the game's lack of a plot, which complicates the adaptation process.
Poncle emphasized the importance of finding the right partners to bring Vampire Survivors to life in a non-video game format. They stressed the need for good ideas, creativity, and a deep understanding of the game, describing this combination as a "very difficult triplet to get 100% right." The developer humorously acknowledged the irony of adapting a game with no story, saying, "the most important thing in Vampire Survivors is the story," highlighting the unique challenge they face.
The game itself, Vampire Survivors, is a fast-paced, gothic horror rogue-lite that became a surprise hit after its launch on Steam. Its popularity soared due to its addictive gameplay, where players can choose from 50 characters and 80 weapons to combat hordes of monsters. Poncle has continued to expand the game with new content, including two major expansions and the Ode to Castlevania DLC.
IGN's review praised Vampire Survivors for its deceptive simplicity and deep gameplay, awarding it an 8/10. They noted it as an ideal game to play while listening to podcasts, though it can have extended dull periods when players get ahead of the game's curve.
As for the film adaptation, Poncle remains excited about the project's potential, despite the uncertainties surrounding how a game without a plot will translate to the screen. No release date has been announced yet, reflecting the ongoing creative process and the challenges inherent in adapting such a unique game.
