Netflix is one of just several studios and outlets locking down the rights of video games to bring them to the big and small screens. A few of the films and series already in the works include a live-actionAssassin’s Creedseries, aDevil May Cryanimated series, and a film adaptation ofThe Division. However, it’s also currently looking to capitalize on theDota 2adaptation,Dota: Dragon’s Blood, with the re-release of the 2014 documentary.
SinceDota 2’sofficial release in 2013, the game remains one of the more popular multiplayer online battle-arena’s alongsideLeague of LegendsandSmite. The game boasts one of the most successful esports scenes in the world as well, with The International 2021 set for August 2021.
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The documentary set for a Netflix re-release focuses on the early days ofDota 2’scompetitive esports scene.Free to Playfollows three professional players during The International 2011, the first major tournament organized by developerValveand doubled as the first public hands-on ofDota 2. The tournament pit 16Dotateams from around the world for a prize pool of $1.6 million and a grand prize of $1 million, which was one of the biggest prize pools at the time.
Na’Vi’s Danil “Dendi” Ishutin, Scythe Gaming’s Benedict Lim “hyhy” Han Yong, and Online Kingdom’s Clinton “Fear” Loomis are the three pros in question Valve followed as part of the documentary. While it does focus on their successes and failures during the The International 2011, viewers are also given an insight into how the focus on esports is impacting their respective personal life.
Netflix is arguably on a hot-streak when it comes to animation, releasing several successful original and adapted anime series over the last two years. One of the biggest success is another video game adaptation,Castlevania, based on 1989’sCastlevania 3: Dracula’s Curse.Dota: Dragon’s Bloodis the latest in that streak, releasing to an overall positive reception in March 2021.
However, one genre where Netflix is extremely successful is documentaries. The streaming giant houses one of the largest and most varied library of documentaries ranging from topics like true crime, biographies, politics, and sports. Depending on the success ofFree to Playon the service, it may open the door for more gaming documentaries to appear.
Other services have been keen to get their hands of gaming documentaries, as well.Amazon Prime Videocurrently housesKing of Kong: A Fist Full of QuartersandIndie Game: The MoviewhileConsole Warsis available on Paramount Plus.
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