AceShowbiz - 20th Century Studios is entering the world of video game adaptations with its latest acquisition of the theatrical film rights to 99 Nights in the Forest, a widely popular survival horror game developed by Grandma's Favourite Games and hosted on the Roblox platform.

This marks the first time the studio, now under Disney's ownership, is producing a feature-length adaptation of a video game. Video games have become a significant source of inspiration for Hollywood films and series, and 99 Nights in the Forest is set to join that growing list.

Currently, no writer, director, or producers have been attached to the project. However, the game’s creators – Alec Kieft, Matthew Hufton, and Cameron Angland – will take on executive producer roles, ensuring the film stays true to the original vision of the game.

99 Nights in the Forest is an action-survival game that challenges players to survive for 99 nights in a haunted forest. The gameplay centers on rescuing four lost children while battling terrifying creatures lurking deep within the woods. The game’s immersive and atmospheric world has resonated strongly with its audience.

Despite being less than a year old, the game has already become a massive hit on Roblox. According to 20th Century Studios, it ranks as the seventh most played game of all time on the platform, boasting nearly 26 billion lifetime visits and a player rating of 90.6%. Its all-time peak concurrent player count reached 14.2 million, positioning it as the third most popular game on Roblox. The game regularly attracts hundreds of thousands of players simultaneously.

"The team at Grandma's Favourite Games are exactly the kind of bold, imaginative creators we love working with at 20th Century Studios, with world building ideas that feel innately cinematic," said David Greenbaum, president of Disney’s live-action and 20th Century Studios. "99 Nights in the Forest has already connected with millions of players worldwide, and we're excited to build on that foundation for audiences everywhere."

While 20th Century Studios has previously produced video game adaptations such as Hitman and Assassin’s Creed during its Fox era, this is the first major video game project under Disney’s leadership. The studio is currently overseen by David Greenbaum and 20th Century president Steve Asbell.

The game’s creators expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "Growing up, Disney and 20th Century films were a huge part of our childhood, so collaborating with such legendary and enduring studios feels surreal. We're excited to explore the world of 99 Nights in the Forest on a broader stage and to create some scares in an entirely new medium."

Executive J.R. Young will manage the project for 20th Century Studios, with Michelle Kamme involved in securing the rights deal. As development progresses, more details about the creative team and casting are expected to be announced.

The move signals 20th Century Studios' commitment to expanding its portfolio with content that appeals to the large and engaged gaming community, tapping into the success of titles like 99 Nights in the Forest that have already built vast, dedicated fanbases.

As video game adaptations continue to grow in popularity, this new project may offer a fresh take on survival horror storytelling, blending the immersive experience of gaming with cinematic techniques to captivate both gamers and moviegoers alike.