Having only launched in April, it's still pretty early for the MMORPG to have caught on, but that isn't stopping developer Snail Games from planning for the game's future jump to the big screen. With the game now available on PCs stateside, the Chinese developer announced plans to expand the franchise to a feature film, as well as port the game to other platforms, specifically eyeing the mobile market.
"The Age of Wushu game looks and plays like a major martial arts motion picture so bringing the property to movie screens is a logical evolution," said Shi Hai, founder and chairman, Snail Games. "Our goal has always been for the property to reach the widest audience so evolving to a feature film and expanding the experience to consoles and mobile devices continues our plan."
Don't get too excited, as Snail's announcement is one of intent only. As of yet, there aren't any other details to report on, as said details "will be revealed at a later date."
Providing an immersive Wuxia experience, Age of Wushu gives players the opportunity to delve into the game's ancient Chinese lore featuring martial arts combat and exploration throughout China, including real historical landmarks.
Any thoughts as to who would feature in this game based movie? Well, Jet Li is recognized as the face of the game, and given that the Wushu master has provided his likeness and voice to the game's single player campaign mode, and is a spokesman for the title, Li seems like a damn good/obvious place to start.
As far as plot goes, I wouldn't expect it to stray too far from that of the game. Set in the early Ming Dynasty, different schools of martial arts formed. Over time, the emperor grows suspicious and paranoid over the schools, and sends out his Royal Guard to dispatch the various teachers and students, and grows more and more powerful. With his inevitable death, there's a power vacuum, and while different groups and leaders look to fill it, a secret manual is rumored to be circulating in the lands, promising great power to any who can learn its secrets.
We'll keep you posted when more information is released.
