There are a number of video games I have played that I feel have the potential to make great films on the silver screen. Yet we are left with many past examples that leave us shuddering at the thought of video game adaptations, especially those directed by the bane of the industry, Uwe Boll. So this has left me thinking, what are the key elements to making video games into really great films? Ones that could inspire more people to get involved in the games that started it all.

Direction
Say no to Uwe Boll. No, seriously, this man will ruin any game adaptation handed to him, and some of his films have even been described as a "cinematic train wreck". Also, 3 of his films have been in a top 10 countdown of the worst video game films of all time. Many game companies such as Activision Blizzard have turned down his offers in an effort to make a serious film, with a credible director.

Budget
With the rise and rise of special effects, it is important for a film production to have a good budget. This will be essential especially in adaptations using the example of Gears of War which is in the process of being made into a film, it is set further in the future on another planet with many post-apocalyptic scenes and ravenous monsters, all of which will require some good special effects and modelling.

Story
In films it is important the director does not leave huge plot holes where the viewer is expected to have played the game and understand, everything needs to be slotted in together in an weave that leaves little to imagination, making it clear what the viewer is watching on screen. To make the film more interesting to those who played the games, there needs to be a good variety of scenes they are not familiar with, such as back story the game may not have touched upon.