Director Dave Wilson admitted he initially feared Hollywood might resist the concept behind Secret Level, a video game anthology series. “It’s difficult to convince people here to try something new and different,” he said. Created by Tim Miller, the mind behind the Emmy-winning Love, Death & Robots, Secret Level is a collection of fifteen animated standalone short episodes inspired by popular video games and iconic brands. The series premiered on Amazon Prime Video on December 10 and has already been renewed for a second season.
Produced by Miller’s Blur Studio, renowned for its CGI animation expertise, along with Amazon MGM Studios, Secret Level brings together a mix of nostalgia and innovation. Featured games include classics like Pac-Man and Dungeons & Dragons, as well as modern favorites like Armored Core and Mega Man.
Curating the episode lineup was no simple task for Wilson and Miller. “We tried to find something for everyone, from indie and nostalgic titles to AAA games that haven’t even been released yet,” Wilson explained. Miller emphasized the importance of including a range of genres to ensure the series appeals to a wide audience. “I didn’t want it to just reflect our personal favorite games,” he said.
While Secret Level caters to fans of the featured games, its creators hope it will resonate with non-gamers as well. “We’re not just making it for the fans, though they have to love it too,” Miller said. The series aims to be a bridge between gaming culture and a broader audience, ensuring accessibility for everyone. “Even if you’ve never played the games, you’ll find something to connect with,” Miller added.
A key factor in bringing this ambitious project to life was the trust between Blur Studio and the video game companies whose intellectual property was featured. “They know we’re not going to take their IP and mishandle it,” Miller said, highlighting the collaborative approach taken with game developers.
With its creative storytelling and respect for gaming culture, Secret Level offers a groundbreaking viewing experience that is equal parts homage and innovation, setting a new standard for video game adaptations. Fans and newcomers alike can now enjoy this unique blend of animation and gaming lore on Amazon Prime Video.
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