4 Fantasy Franchises I Can’t Believe Haven’t Become Video Games Yet (One Is So Obvious)

While there is no shortage of original ideas, some of the best video games have come from adapting preexisting material. Look at The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt or Hogwarts Legacy. While these are more based on the source material, they use the world and characters from the novels to create big hits. Despite the success of these titles, there are so many glaring omissions when it comes to fantasy series that deserve video game adaptations. These aren’t obscure titles either, as some of the most beloved franchises remain locked to their original pages, including one that should have been adapted so long ago.

Book-to-game crossovers have huge potential, especially considering a lot of the work has been done for developers. Some series seem tailor-made for the medium. They are brimming with compelling characters, intricate magic systems, and settings that would thrive as explorable video games. Here are the four fantasy franchises that deserve to become video games.

4) The Lies of Locke Lamora – The Perfect Heist RPG

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch is an underrated fantasy series that belongs alongside Andrzej Sapkowski’s Witcher series and George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire. One could describe it as Ocean’s Eleven meets fantasy: it follows the thief and con artist Locke and his band, the Gentleman Bastards. Elaborate schemes, betrayals, and rivalries in various cities would be the perfect setup for a video game, especially as each book in the series offers unique settings for video game sequels.

Imagine a game blending Dishonored‘s vertical exploration with Hitman’s open-ended mission design. Players could choose how to execute their schemes: manipulate NPCs with charm and deception, sneak across rooftops and through canals, or improvise when things inevitably go wrong. There would be a lack of emphasis on combat, as Locke is no fighter, unlike Jean. This could open another option of something like Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun, where you control the Gentleman Bastards in tactical isometric stealth action.

One of the most appealing aspects would be the different cities. Camorr offers thrilling canals, bridges, shadowy alleys, and aristocratic towers. This differs wildly from the island city Tal Verrar and the political playground of Karthain. These would open up wildly different settings that could introduce new mechanics and plots. Even if the games don’t directly follow the plots from the books, Locke and Jean are such interesting characters that a developer could adapt their skills to a new narrative.

3) The Belgariad – A Classic Hero’s Journey

David Eddings’ Belgariad is pure classic fantasy: a prophecy-driven farm boy, Garion, and his mysterious sorceress guardian, Lady Polgara, are joined by the mighty sorcerer Belgarath and other companions on a quest that spans kingdoms. A millennia-old struggle between gods, specifically the vile Torak, and the Rivan King is initiated after the Orb of Aldur is stolen. While the tropes may feel familiar, Eddings executes them with warmth, humor, and a cast of characters that scratch the found family itch: everything you’d want in a video game.

If ever there was a series perfectly suited to a Dragon Age: Origins-style RPG, it’s the Belgariad. It would thrive as a party-based adventure following Garion and his companions on their journey to retrieve the Orb and face Torak. Balancing relationships between the party: the mischievous Silk, mighty Barak, fiery Ce’Nedra, and honorable Mandorallen would lead to an engaging dialogue system and offer branching choices. It could deviate from the book series’ plotline by giving players freedom of choice while still following the main narrative in an adaptation.

The magic comes not just from the characters, but also from the world itself. From Sendaria’s quiet farms to the deserts of Maragor and the shining halls of Riva, each kingdom feels distinct and would offer varying open worlds waiting to be explored. The central theme, that destiny and free will are forever in tension, would naturally lead players on their quest as they follow Garion and Belgarath on a path foretold in a madman’s prophecy.

2) Mistborn – A Magic System Perfectly Suited For Video Games

Brandon Sanderson is one of the biggest names in modern fantasy, and his Mistborn series is arguably his crown jewel. At its heart is one of the most unique magic systems in literature: Allomancy. Users ingest specific metals to gain corresponding powers. Pewter enhances strength, tin heightens senses, iron and steel push and pull on metal objects, and these are just a taste of Sanderson’s creativity. The fact that there has been no video game set in this world is maddening.

Allomancy could lead to one of the most interesting takes on action RPGs. It could function like potions in The Witcher 3, giving players different abilities when they need them. Combining this with something like Devil May Cry’s stylish combat could create stunning cinematic action that would be the perfect catalyst for Mistborn’s story of dystopian oppression, rebellion, and political intrigue. Put a satisfying progression system on top of this, and Sanderson’s work would be a thrilling video game.

Fans almost got a Mistborn game, titled Mistborn: Birthright, but the project was sadly canceled. Sanderson’s work has since been adapted to a TTRPG and deckbuilding game, but there has been no further talk of a video game. With his popularity only growing, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a studio change this, but we’ll have to wait and see. The blueprint is there for a game adaptation, someone just needs to make it happen.

1) The Legend of Drizzt – The Forgotten Realms’ Untapped Goldmine

The most obvious series that deserves a video game is The Legend of Drizzt by R.A. Salvatore, and no, Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance doesn’t count. With 30 novels, there is an endless amount of source material for Drizzt Do’Urden’s adventures to become a video game. Companions like Bruenor Battlehammer, Catti-Brie, Wulgar, and Regis could bring emotional and narrative depth to Dungeons & Dragons’ most well-known character.

Two options stand out for a video game style: Baldur’s Gate 3 and The Witcher 3. Drizzt’s skills as a ranger and his scimitars would make for fast-paced and exciting third-person combat. A duel with Entreri, one of Drizzt’s greatest nemesis, would be a treat with this style. It would also offer so many opportunities for side quests and smaller stories within a larger narrative.

Another excellent option is something like Larian Studio’s Baldur’s Gate 3. The characters of Salvatore’s series lend themselves perfectly to a party-based RPG. A video game could start in Icewind Dale to begin Drizzt’s journey on the surface and showcase a seldom-seen region, or it could start later on in his adventure. Commanding the group and Drizzt’s magical panther companion, Guenhwyvar, could open up interesting role-playing and tactical mechanics.

The fact that no true adaptation for a Drizzt game exists is baffling. He has appeared in other games and cameoed in other material, but nothing has given the Drow the spotlight he deserves. A video game could capture the moral struggle of a character defined by his combat skill and relentless compassion in a world that mistrusts him. Not only that, but it could transform Drizzt from a literary figure to a global icon, much like The Witcher 3 did for Geralt.

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