Why Video Games Based on Movies Aren't Working

"Reservoir Dogs," Quentin Tarantino's 1992 cult classic.

"Reservoir Dogs," Quentin Tarantino’s 1992 cult classic.

Mr. Blonde in Reservoir Dogs, the video game adaptation. Michael Madsen, who played Mr. Blonde in the original film, was the only actor to provide his voice and likeness for the game.

Mr. Blonde in Reservoir Dogs, the video game adaptation. Michael Madsen, who played Mr. Blonde in the original film, was the only actor to provide his voice and likeness for the game.

Electronic Arts' Godfather: The Game fails to live up to the legacy and power of the classic movie.

Electronic Arts’ Godfather: The Game fails to live up to the legacy and power of the classic movie.

Peter Jackson's King Kong featured awesome visuals but nevertheless fizzled.

Peter Jackson’s King Kong featured awesome visuals but nevertheless fizzled.

Scarface: The World is Yours was written by Hollywood screenwriter David McKenna, but the game lacks a compelling narrative.

Scarface: The World is Yours was written by Hollywood screenwriter David McKenna, but the game lacks a compelling narrative.

"Battlestar Galactica's" Ronald D. Moore.

"Battlestar Galactica’s" Ronald D. Moore.

The PC game I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream, which was adapted by science fiction author Harlan Ellison's from his own short story.

The PC game I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream, which was adapted by science fiction author Harlan Ellison’s from his own short story.