The Truth Is In There

Hollywood's reliance on the world of computer games for fresh film ideas continues, with the news that yet another game is set for the big screen. Area 51, from Midway games, is due out next March but has already been earmarked for the big screen. The story of the game revolves around a special forces team specialising in hazardous material investigations. They are sent into Area 51 to investigate a distress call from the top-secret research facility. Automated quarantine procedures have locked all military and scientific personnel inside, but it soon becomes clear that the facility also contains a deadly virus that threatens the entire world if released. So far, so Resident Evil. The game includes plenty of fodder for conspiracy theorists, with the remains of the autopsied Roswell aliens, the scene of the 'faked' moon landings and an ancient alien colony buried beneath the facility. Appropriately enough, David Duchovny voices the lead character in the game, with support from Powers Boothe and Marilyn Manson as an alien. There is no word as yet on whether they will be reprising their roles on the big screen. At this stage, only a producer has been hired, so it's far too early to say whether this will even make it to cinemas. Still, with Spy Hunter and Psi-Ops already in development from Midway games alone, it is becoming increasingly clear that games are the new novels when it comes to providing film inspiration. God help us all.