12 Great Video Games That Deserve the 'Arcane' Treatment

June 20, 2026 - 10:48

The success of "Arcane" proved that video game adaptations can be more than just fan service. They can be prestige television. With its breathtaking animation, deep character work, and a story that stood on its own, the show set a new bar. Now, fans are wondering which other games could get that same treatment. Here are a dozen titles that could shine with a similar approach.

First, "Bloodborne" is an obvious pick. Its gothic Victorian setting, cosmic horror, and tragic lore are tailor-made for a moody, slow-burn series. The game tells its story through item descriptions and cryptic NPCs, but a show could flesh out the fall of Yharnam and the hunters who tried to save it. "Hollow Knight" is another strong candidate. The silent, bug-filled kingdom of Hallownest is full of melancholy and mystery. A visual style blending hand-drawn animation with the game's muted color palette would be gorgeous.

For something more grounded, "Disco Elysium" offers a detective story that is less about action and more about internal struggle. The game's dialogue and political themes would translate well into a series about a broken man solving a murder in a strange city. "Return of the Obra Dinn" could work as a limited series, using its unique 1-bit art style to tell a nonlinear ghost story about a lost ship.

Other games with rich worlds include "Chrono Trigger," which has a time-traveling epic that could span multiple seasons. "Shadow of the Colossus" is almost a silent film already, focusing on a lone warrior and his tragic quest. "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" has a post-apocalyptic Hyrule that could explore Link's memories and the fall of the kingdom. "Persona 5" has the style and character drama, though its high school setting might need a tighter focus.

"Silent Hill 2" is a psychological horror masterpiece that could be a haunting, character-driven miniseries. "Kentucky Route Zero" is surreal and poetic, perfect for an experimental animated show. "Bastion" has a narrator and a vibrant world that could be expanded. Finally, "Deus Ex" offers cyberpunk conspiracy and philosophical questions about transhumanism. Each of these games has the visual identity and narrative depth to become the next "Arcane."