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Get Ready for a Live-Action Oregon Trail Movie, Apparently

Oct 28, 2024 2:30 PM

Hollywood is set to adapt the classic video game "The Oregon Trail" into a live-action movie, despite skepticism about its necessity. With the original incarnation of the game being an iconic educational experience, primarily known for humorously causing players' demise—often by dysentery—the film is expected to capture that essence. Apple has taken the reigns for this project, and it is currently in early development, helmed by directors Will Speck and Josh Gordon, known for "Blades of Glory." The screenplay is being crafted by Kenny and Keith Lucas, alongside Max Reisman, while the film will feature original musical numbers by the composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, recognized for their work on "Dear Evan Hansen." Though excitement may be limited, the trend of video game adaptations continues to grow.

What is "The Oregon Trail" game about, and why is it significant?

"The Oregon Trail" is a pioneering educational video game that simulates 19th-century pioneer life in America. Players navigate various challenges while traveling along the historic Oregon Trail, facing decisions that can lead to humorous or fatal outcomes. Its legacy lies in introducing gaming concepts to a wide audience, particularly in educational settings, making it a cultural artifact that represents early video game design and storytelling.

The Oregon Trail game first launched in the 1970s and gained massive popularity in the 80s and 90s, becoming a staple in American classrooms. Its combination of strategy and chance, along with the interactive storytelling, left a lasting impact on gaming history and educational software. Many players fondly remember their "deaths" from various maladies, particularly dysentery, turning their experiences into comedic memories shared in popular culture.



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Casey Loh

Casey Loh is a tech-savvy writer who specializes in the intersection of gaming and technology. With a background in computer science, Casey brings a technical lens to her reviews, breaking down the nuts and bolts of game engines, graphics, and AI innovation.

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N3rdo N3rdo commented on: 2024-10-28 14:54:02
It's always interesting to see classic games like The Oregon Trail getting the Hollywood treatment; it could be a fun blend of nostalgia and humor. I’m curious to see how they balance the educational aspect with entertainment—dysentery jokes might just be the new meme-worthy material we didn’t know we needed
Mr. Bison Mr. Bison commented on: 2024-10-28 14:48:03
It’s wild to see The Oregon Trail making a leap from the classroom to the silver screen This could either be a nostalgic trip down memory lane or a hilarious flop that reminds us why we loved failing spectacularly in that game—bring on the dysentery jokes
Miss Peachy Miss Peachy commented on: 2024-10-28 14:42:07
It's always a wild ride when Hollywood decides to mine classic games for film material, and The Oregon Trail seems like a mix of nostalgia and peculiar humor that could either flop or genuinely surprise us. With a touch of musical flair and some clever storytelling, who knows—maybe seeing pixels turn into people will evoke more than just bathroom humor
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