Author Brandon Sanderson has revealed that a video game adaptation of his acclaimed Mistborn series would be his top priority if he ever partners with the right studio to bring it to life. Speaking in an exclusive interview with IGN, Sanderson confirmed that the fantasy author—himself a lifelong gamer—has thought extensively about seeing his work translated into interactive media, though he stopped short of confirming any concrete project.
The comments mark another expansion for the Mistborn franchise into new mediums, arriving as the series continues to grow through board games and tabletop roleplaying offerings. While no video game is currently in development, Sanderson’s remarks suggest that a proper adaptation remains firmly on the horizon for the distant future, contingent entirely on finding a developer he considers worthy of his universe.
Finding the Right Partner
When asked during the interview whether he had ever considered adapting his work into a video game, Sanderson was candid about both his enthusiasm and his caution. He acknowledged that even smaller indie games now require massive financial investments, making the choice of development partner critical to any potential project.
“As a lifelong gamer, suffice it to say that yes, I’ve thought about this a lot. The key will be the right partner. Video games, even the smaller indie games, are huge investments these days. Mistborn would almost certainly be the first thing I would try, as the mechanics of the magic and world very naturally lend themselves to such an adaptation – but again, I’d need the right partner.”
Brandon Sanderson
The author’s confidence in Mistborn specifically stems from the inherent design of its magic system and world. The series’ distinctive “Allomancy,” which allows characters to ingest and burn metals to gain supernatural abilities, presents mechanics that translate naturally into gameplay systems—a quality Sanderson identified as a key reason it would be his first choice for adaptation.
A Growing Franchise Across Mediums
This potential video game venture would not be Mistborn’s first step beyond literature. The franchise is already expanding across multiple entertainment formats, with a film adaptation currently in development after Sanderson recently completed the screenplay, though he noted there remains “still a lot of work to do.” The series has also been adapted into board games and received its own tabletop roleplaying line.
The Cosmere RPG, developed by Brotherwise Games in close collaboration with Sanderson himself, initially focused on Roshar and the Stormlight Archive books. Now Mistborn is joining the ranks through a Handbook, Campaign Guide, and Welcome to Scadrial guide, all available for preorder now, alongside an expansion slated for November.
The tabletop work has already established much of the groundwork that could support a future video game adaptation. Observers have noted that Mistborn’s rich magic systems and intricate worldbuilding could make for an exceptional RPG experience comparable to acclaimed titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, with Brotherwise Games having laid a solid foundation upon which developers could build.
Looking Ahead
While no video game adaptation is imminent, Sanderson’s comments leave the door firmly open. The author emphasized that any future project would depend entirely on securing the right development partner—one capable of doing justice to the depth and mechanics of his world. Until then, fans can explore Mistborn through its expanding tabletop offerings.
For those unfamiliar with the franchise, the Cosmere is a large galaxy-spanning, progressively interconnected series of epic fantasy novels by Sanderson. Those looking to understand the broader universe before any potential game announcement may want to consult a comprehensive reading guide to get a fuller picture of the world awaiting adaptation.
1 comment