Secret Level: A Groundbreaking Moment for Gaming and TV

Gaming Meets TV

Video games have been a central part of entertainment for decades, yet it’s only in recent years that the gaming industry has garnered the same respect and recognition in the world of cinema and television. It wasn’t until successful game-to-screen adaptations like The Witcher on Netflix, the legendary The Last of Us on HBO, and Halo that gaming began to truly enter mainstream media in the form of TV and movies.

Amazon's Secret Level is a perfect example of this shift, offering a series that not only acknowledges the deep connection between gaming and storytelling but also celebrates it. The show, created by Tim Miller, is an animated anthology that features 15 episodes, each inspired by different video game universes. It’s a groundbreaking approach to storytelling, immersing audiences in well-known game worlds while telling unique, emotionally charged tales.

Episode 1 - Dungeons & Dragons: The Queen’s Cradle

The opening episode of Secret Level takes inspiration from the world of Dungeons & Dragons, a game that's been a cultural touchstone for over five decades. The story revolves around a diverse party of adventurers, including Mora, a goliath paladin, and Tally, a gnome wizard, who embark on a quest to rescue Solon, a young man destined for sacrifice by the Cult of the Dragon. This cult believes that undead dragons will one day rule the world, and Solon, marked by ominous tattoos, is to be sacrificed to Tiamat, the five-headed queen of evil dragons.

The tale is rich with D&D lore, especially with the appearance of the Cult of the Dragon and the mystical dragon Oriel, who plays a key role in trying to cure Solon of his terrifying visions. It’s an epic tale of sacrifice, rebirth, and the battle between good and evil, and it brings the magic of D&D into the world of Secret Level.

Episode 2 - Sifu: It Takes a Life

In the second episode, Secret Level dives into the world of Sifu, a martial arts action game released in 2022. The story follows the main character (MC), who embarks on a relentless journey of revenge. The key twist of this episode mirrors the game mechanic where the MC ages every time he respawns after death. This cycle of death and rebirth is explored in a gritty and visually stunning manner, with the MC fighting his way through a club in search of justice for his father’s death.

The episode’s exploration of aging and its consequences adds a poignant emotional layer, showcasing how even in a game about revenge, there is a price to be paid for the MC’s power.

Episode 3 - New World: The Once and Future King

Secret Level then transports us to the world of New World, an MMORPG from Amazon Game Studios. The episode, "The Once and Future King," is a prequel to the game’s world, focusing on King Aelstrom, a former ruler trying to claim the island of Aeternum. The episode brings viewers through the king’s repeated attempts to gain control, with Aelstrom dying and respawning, a key theme in both the episode and the game. The episode gives context to his role as an NPC in the game, showing his earlier struggles and the mystery behind his immortality.

Episode 4 - Unreal Tournament: Xan

Next, the series dives into the universe of Unreal Tournament. Xan explores the origins of Xan Kriegor, a cyborg who led a robot uprising and later became a key player in the Unreal Tournament deathmatches. The episode retells Xan’s rebellion and his entry into the tournament as a result of his defeat, offering fans of the Unreal Tournament series a deeper look at its lore.

Episode 5 - Warhammer 40,000: And They Shall Know No Fear

In this episode, Secret Level delves into the brutal universe of Warhammer 40,000. The episode follows Lieutenant Titus, part of an elite Space Marine team, on a mission to eliminate daemons from the Chaos faction. The episode ties into the larger Warhammer 40K lore, exploring the origins of the Space Marines, and highlights the brutal process by which they are created.

Episode 6 - Pac-Man: Circle

This episode takes a more abstract turn, reimagining the classic Pac-Man arcade game. The episode, titled Circle, features the Swordsman and the Puck, two characters who navigate a maze while battling ghost-like enemies. It’s an exploration of repetition, challenge, and survival, key themes found throughout Secret Level.

Episode 7 - CrossFire: Good Conflict

CrossFire, a popular PvP shooter, is the focus of the next episode. The story revolves around two mercenary teams, Global Risk and Black List, who are in pursuit of a mysterious package. The episode offers a fast-paced exploration of the game’s core elements while adding narrative depth to its multiplayer world.

Episode 8 - Armored Core: Asset Management

The final episode in this batch is based on Armored Core

Why This is Important: Gaming as a Mainstream Medium

The release of Secret Level is a monumental step in recognizing gaming as a legitimate source of media. The series not only acknowledges the cultural impact of video games but also elevates them to a level of respectability on par with traditional forms of storytelling like film and television.

By adapting popular video game universes into a television format, Secret Level proves that gaming can offer more than just entertainment—it can offer meaningful, complex narratives. The success of Secret Level serves as a powerful example of how gaming can continue to influence other forms of media, encouraging even more gaming-inspired TV and movie adaptations in the future.

The success of Secret Level lays the groundwork for a future where gaming and TV are inextricably linked. As more gaming franchises are brought to the screen, we can expect to see deeper exploration of video game worlds, stories, and characters. The opportunity to experience beloved games in a new format opens the door to even more exciting possibilities, from deeper character studies to fresh takes on established stories.

The blending of gaming and traditional media is not only an evolution in entertainment but also a reflection of gaming’s growth as an art form. With more adaptations and original content based on video games, we are entering a new era where games and media intersect in powerful ways.

The first part of Secret Level represents a significant shift in how the entertainment industry views gaming. By taking iconic gaming worlds and turning them into engaging narratives, the series demonstrates the potential for gaming to influence mainstream media. As we continue to see more shows, films, and series inspired by video games, the future looks bright for gaming’s place in entertainment. Whether you're a gamer or just a fan of great stories, Secret Level is proof that the gaming world is ready to take its place at the table of modern storytelling.