An ambitious fan project leveraging the power of Unreal Engine 5 has revealed what Stephen King's iconic horror story IT could look like if it were adapted into a modern video game. The newest iteration of Epic Games's engine was made available to developers at last year's State of Unreal event, and since then a whole host of games that will use Unreal Engine 5 have been confirmed. The amateur community has gotten in on the action as well, with fan-made creations like this take on King's classic terrifying tale.
Stephen King's IT was hugely successful right from the jump, receiving literary awards and nominations, as well as top place on Publisher Weekly's best-selling hard-cover fiction list following its 1986 debut. Since then, the book has seen a variety of adaptations on both the big and small screen, including a 1990 miniseries, a 1998 Hindi TV show, and the two recent films from director Andy Muschietti. In fact, much of King's other work still regularly gets adapted to the screen, like last year's Mr. Harrigan's Phone on Netlix.
Amid all the IT film re-imaginings, the story has yet to see a game adaptation. In fact, the history of games based on King's work is surprisingly sparse, despite the fact that many Stephen King stories are ripe for video game adaptation. Thankfully, YouTube channel TeaserPlay, which specializes in fan concept trailers, has provided audiences with a peek of what an IT game could look like with shiny new tech. The results are unsettling in the best kind of way.
The clip follows Georgie, the boy who is lured in and killed by IT near the beginning King's novel, as he pursues the iconic red balloon associated with the villain through a recreation of the fictional town of Derry, where much of King's work is set. The murderous clown is heard chuckling in the distance, and eerie music ushers the viewer through the town. Jump scares, tied closely to the music, bring the creature ever closer. Georgie makes his way through the streets, eventually finding a carnival full of red balloons. In a panic, he runs and hides, only to be confronted by the clown.
The video, though not perfect with some occasional pop-in and mild character animation oddities, is still a fantastic piece of work. The town itself looks great, with some of the lighting effects really standing out. The sun glinting off the cars as Georgie passes is a particularly impressive touch. The whole thing comes together to create a believable and genuinely scary clip. Of all the Stephen King books that have yet to become a game, it seems IT has some definite potential.
But as of now, no such plans exist. However, if gamers are looking for a horror experience built with the latest technology, they should keep their eyes peeled for the upcoming Layers of Fear game, being developed in Unreal Engine 5.