20th Century Studios is stepping into the world of video game movies with its latest acquisition. They’ve landed the film rights to the hit game 99 Nights in the Forest, developed by Grandma’s Favourite Games and hosted on Roblox. This marks 20th Century’s first venture into adapting a video game since becoming part of Disney.
Currently, there are no writers or directors attached to the project, but the game’s creators—Alec Kieft, Matthew Hufton, and Cameron Angland—will serve as executive producers.
99 Nights is an action-survival game. Players try to survive for 99 nights in a haunted forest while searching for four lost children and battling fierce creatures lurking in the woods.
Since its release less than a year ago, the game has skyrocketed in popularity. It’s the seventh most-played game in Roblox history, with nearly 26 billion visits and a player rating of 90.6%. It even peaked at 14.2 million players at one time, placing it third on the platform. This level of engagement shows just how much players love the game’s blend of adventure and thrill.
David Greenbaum, president of Disney’s live action and 20th Century Studios, praised the game’s developers, noting their imaginative storytelling that feels cinematic. “99 Nights in the Forest has already captured the hearts of millions, and we’re eager to expand its reach to new audiences,” he said.
Historically, 20th Century produced video game adaptations like Hitman and Assassin’s Creed, but this new project is significant as it’s the first prominent title since Disney’s acquisition. The collaboration is especially meaningful for the game’s creators, who grew up watching Disney and 20th Century films. “It feels surreal to partner with such legendary studios,” they expressed, looking forward to exploring their game in this new form.
As for who will oversee the project, executive J.R. Young will be in charge for 20th Century Studios, while Michelle Kamme played a role in securing the rights.
In today’s entertainment landscape, video game adaptations are gaining traction. Surveys show that over 60% of gamers are interested in movies based on their favorite titles, reflecting a shift in how stories are told across mediums. As adaptations continue to bloom, it’ll be interesting to see how 99 Nights in the Forest translates to the big screen. For more insights, you can check out this article on the growth of video game adaptations in film here.
