Video Game Adaptations: The Rise of Arcane

Video game adaptations have been making waves in recent times. From big-budget movies to longform series, they are captivating audiences across various platforms. Among them, Netflix has quietly emerged as a key player, producing some of the most beloved and critically acclaimed series. One such gem is the League of Legends adaptation, Arcane. Let's delve into the world of Arcane and explore its significance in the realm of video game adaptations.

Unraveling the Magic of Arcane

What is Arcane?

Arcane is a captivating adult drama that seamlessly blends science fantasy and steampunk aesthetics. It tells the story of the emerging conflict between the stoic utopian city of Piltover and the oppressed underworld of Zaun. Sisters Vi and Jinx, voiced by Hailee Steinfeld and Ella Purnell respectively, are at the heart of this tale. After losing their parents to Piltover enforcers, they are taken in by Vander, the influential leader of a central bar in Zaun. As they grow older, a tip leads them to Piltover in search of valuable objects. However, things take a turn for the worse when the theft of strange crystals causes a penthouse explosion and sets off a chain of events. Silco, another prominent figure in the undercity, is working on a substance called Shimmer, which has the potential to turn people into weapons against Piltover.

The first season of Arcane consists of nine episodes and introduces a wide range of characters from the League of Legends game. These characters are at the center of multiple conflicts, from the invention of magic-infused machinery to the spread of Shimmer and its effects on those around them. Arcane season two continues the story right where the first season left off, with Jinx becoming a resistance figure and Vi reevaluating her past choices in the face of a growing conflict between Zaun and Piltover.

What is Arcane based on?

Arcane is based on the fictional world of Runeterra, where the League of Legends game takes place. League of Legends is a popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game with over 160 colorful champions, each with its own unique abilities and play styles. Vi, Jinx, Caitlyn, Ekko, and many other characters from the game are expanded upon in Arcane. Riot Games has released new characters like Ambessa Medarda to further enhance the transmedia fusion. While the show initially drew inspiration from existing material, it has now been confirmed as part of the game's official lore, although there have been some continuity issues that Riot is working to address.

The animation work in Arcane is truly remarkable, reminiscent of the Spider-Verse films. It is vibrant and full of personality, with a high degree of physical and emotional realism masked behind the bright visuals. One of the standout aspects is the queer relationship between Vi and Caitlyn, which has become a popular ship among fans. This relationship adds a unique layer of humanity to the show and critiques the first season for its initial hesitation in fully embracing LGBTQIA+ characters. In the second season, this relationship is explored even further.

Is Arcane a good adaptation?

The first season of Arcane was a huge success, winning a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program and an Annie Award for Best General Audience Animated Television Broadcast Production. It also became Netflix's #1 TV show in 52 countries. However, its production cost was a significant $250 million, with character animation alone accounting for about 80% of the budget. Despite the high cost, Arcane is not meant to be a painstaking replication of the League of Legends world but rather an adaptation and expansion of its stories and characters.

Lore purists may have some reservations, but for those open to a different interpretation or with no prior knowledge, Arcane is an excellent introduction to Runeterra's tales. It stands on its own while still staying true to the essence of the game. There are also several ways for fans to dive deeper into the lore of Runeterra. League of Legends itself offers related missions, new skins, and a mini-game starring Jinx. Legends of Runeterra is a digital collectible card game that expands on the universe, and there are also other games like Ruined King, Hextech Mayhem, Song of Nunu, Convergence, The Mageseeker, and Bandle Tale. Additionally, a 2v2 fighting game inspired by Marvel vs. Capcom, 2XKO, is set to arrive in 2025, allowing fans to battle as Jinx and Ekko in more dynamic ways.

Although Arcane season 2 is the last, showrunner Christian Linke has called it "just the beginning" of the team's larger storytelling journey with Fortiche. Regardless of what's next, Arcane has firmly established itself as one of the best video game adaptations ever, setting an example for how to expand on the world of video games while driving audiences back to the source.