Console Wars: Sega, Nintendo and the Battle that Defined a Generation by Blake J. Harris will soon be headed to the small screen via CBS All Access, reports Deadline. The 2014 book chronicles the rivalry between Sega and Nintendo in the 1990s. It features tons of behind-the-scenes facts about the underdog Sega as it tried to steal a piece of the industry from the dominating Nintendo. It mainly focuses on former Sega executive Tom Kalinske as he brought the Genesis to glory. His work and the rivalry itself paved the way for other companies to emerge. And it undoubtedly shaped the gaming industry for the better. For anyone interested in the history of the gaming world, it’s a truly fascinating read. And even for non-gamers, it’s a thrilling David vs. Goliath story. Though the concept of console wars is a bit outdated these days, the 90s were a different time.
Console Wars marks the first feature-length documentary for CBS All Access. But there’s plenty of talent behind it. Harris himself will co-direct alongside Jonah Tulis (Such Great Heights). Oscar-winner Doug Blush (Icarus) will produce. Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s Point Grey Pictures (Preacher, The Boys) will executive produce.
As for the Console Wars mini-series, Mike Rosolio (American Vandal) will write and Jordan Vogt-Roberts (Kong: Skull Island) will direct. Vogt-Roberts will also helm an upcoming Metal Gear Solid movie. So, both the documentary and the mini-series have people who are passionate about the gaming world working on them. Any worrisome fans can rest easy.
Some form of adaptation for Console Wars has been in development for quite some time. Rogen and Goldberg, who wrote the book’s introduction, were initially attached to co-write and direct a feature-length movie from Sony in 2014. That unfortunately never got off the ground. It was reported in 2018 that the two would produce the mini-series, though this was before it was picked up by CBS All Access. Now, Point Grey’s President, James Weaver, will be producing the mini-series. But it’s not unlikely that the duo will play a part in bringing both to fruition.
There’s no release date for either yet. But the documentary and mini-series could provide an intriguing look into one of the most important eras in video game history. Harris interwove what he learned from interviews and what was public knowledge to create an incredibly engaging narrative. With who’s attached, we’ll likely get the same here. But only if it actually happens this time.
