Adi Shankar to produce TV adaptation of Hyper Light Drifter video game

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Boy oh boy, I bet the video game industry is real pleased with the manner in which Netflix's CASTLEVANIA anime has been received, as it feels like ever since the success of the show's first season, new and exciting video game adaptations are getting announced on the regular. For the moment, we already have adaptations of both DEVIL MAY CRY and ASSASSIN'S CREED on the way, and now CASTLEVANIA producer Adi Shankar has announced that he's getting into the HYPER LIGHT DRIFTER business with the game's creator, Alx Preston.

For those of you who're unaware, Hyper Light Drifter is an action-RPG developed by Preston’s indie studio Heart Machine. The frenetic, mysterious, and challenging as hell game debuted in the spring/summer of 2016 for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. In September of 2018, the game also arrived on the Nintendo Switch platform, much to gamer's delight. While paying homage to the 8-bit and 16-bit games of old, Preston has often described the game as a mixture of “The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past” and “Diablo.” As the player, you step into the role of the Drifter, a character using technology that’s long been forgotten to the game’s inhabitants, who is suffering from an unknown illness, inspired by Preston’s heart disease. The Drifter’s energy sword can be upgraded with additional modules throughout the game. (via Variety)

At this time, Preston, along with producer Adi Shankar, are looking for writers to attach to the project. Both creatives have been very forward about their efforts with regard to this endeavor, on account of wanting the best translation possible for casual audience members.

“The difference between a series and a game is vast in a lot of ways,” Preston told Polygon. “’Hyper Light’ as a game was pretty atmospheric and kind of overbearing at times. For a series, the question is: how do you sustain and keep your attention on a non-interactive run? Does it get really, really dark and serious? Does it have some levity?”

Although Hyper Light Drifter arrives as an old school-looking title, Preston and Shankar have said that they'll be looking to adapt a more anime feel for their TV presentation. The duo will also have to clear the hurdle of the game having no dialogue, because unless they plan on delivering a silent animation, their characters will need to speak and develop meaningful chemistry between one another.

We'll be sure to bring you more news as this intriguing project develops. In the meantime, you can play Hyper Light Drifter for yourself on virtually any modern platform. I've personally banged my head against the game back when it was first released, and I had a blast making my way through each of the game's gorgeous levels and punishing enemies. Have fun!