The world of video games has evolved beyond the early days when developers could only program simple bits and sprites into a code and develop a simple algorithm that produces a concept where a gamer can interact and play with the CPU or another human player. Today we live in a world where games serve as an outlet to tell fresh and compelling stories – ones that evoke a feeling, make us nostalgic, or inspire a concept that could very well become some of the best experiences we’ll ever have. It’s these moments that make gaming more than an escape or a hobby – it’s become a lifestyle and following thanks to the many IPs and franchises that have developed their own unique stories and lore that have cultivated so many fandoms that you can find across the globe. If you know someone who enjoys the same games as you do, you’re more than likely to connect and share so many memories together.
In that regard, Amazon Prime Video has teamed up with legendary film director, producer, screenwriter, and artist Tim Miller to create “Secret Level” – an anthology series that serves as both an introduction and love letter into the worlds of fan favorite video games. Working together with Dave Wilson who also serves as executive producer and supervising director, the series was first revealed on Gamescom 2024 – and consists of fifteen animated shorts that stand alone from one another but tell compelling stories set in the worlds of some of the most popular franchises the world has ever known. Featuring properties like Armored Core, Mega Man, Dungeons & Dragons, Unreal Tournament, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, and so much more, these episodes serve as samplings and introductions into the different worlds these games reside in – laying out the stakes, the setting, the characters, and the lore that each of these stories have while also enticing us to explore more by diving into the experience and playing them.
Thanks to the folks at Prime Video PH I was lucky enough to be among the first to watch the first four episodes of Secret Level, as well as get an exclusive interview with creators Tim Miller and Dave Wilson online via Zoom with other members of the press and media. To say it was an honor to get the chance to chat with these guys is an understatement – they’re true blue video game fans who wanted to present something similar to Miller’s other anthology series in “Love, Death, and Robots” – only this time it involved using actual IPs and franchises that were so beloved and recognizable to all, as well as bringing so many top Hollywood actors into the project to lend their voice talents in bringing these characters to life.
When I asked what inspired them to create this series, Tim jokingly replied “Money! Lots and lots of money.” and Dave humorously followed along with the answer by saying “There’s no other reason you’d want to work with this Tim (Miller) if there isn’t bags of money on the door”. After a couple of laughs and Mr. Miller complimenting the fact that we both share an “awesome name” together, the director and producer gave a perfectly honest answer why – because they love art and games.
“We do this because we love art, we love games, and we love storytelling. Games are so popular and we know people want to see more of them because they’ve invested so much time in these worlds, that if we could get some really great gaming IP on board they could let us tell some storie.”
Dave Wilson also followed up with a pretty awesome response on why they made this anthology series. “We couldn’t have made this show without “Love, Death, and Robots”. Every time we would launch a trailer, we would read the comments on YouTube. Because of those comments and the suggestions of so many fans, we went off and made this series like they told us to do.”
Having seen the first four episodes of the series in Warhammer 40,000, Unreal Tournament, Concord, and Dungeons & Dragons, a lot of dedication was put into this series to make it a love letter to fans as well as an introduction to those who have yet to explore these worlds and IPs. I went on to compliment both filmmakers and say that the show served as pleasant samplers into games I haven’t really explored, saying “it’s very digestable and straightforward”. Tim chuckled at my thoughts on the show and said: “Amazon’s gonna quote you, and yes it’s easily digestable.”
My next question was pretty simple – how were they able to get so many wonderful talents and A-List actors like Keanu Reeves, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and more on board?
“All for the love of the art” Dave Wilson said.
“You love games, we love games, and movie stars are just like us and they love gaming culture. In the case of Keanu Reeves, he’s also a huge animation fan. We didn’t have any trouble getting people to want to be involved in the project, and we have a lot of fans who loved “Love, Death, and Robots”. A lot of these folks play games and they worked with us before in one way or another, so they wanted to be involved or at least they were willing to be involved.”
I went on to show my enthusiasm for Keanu Reeves’ appearance in the Armored Core episode of the series, as he is a gamer himself and has participated in several projects in the past. Tim Miller said that I was going to love that episode, and Dave Wilson said “Think Trainspotting with Keanu Reeves”. Talking about Arnold Schwarzenegger’s appearance and participation in the series in the New World: Aeternum episode, Tim and Dave just simply talked to the legendary actor, bodybuilder, and former governator, and they teased what kind of role he’d play. “We essentially wrote an episode where what if Conan was all talk?” (referring to Arnold’s iconic role as Conan The Barbarian from the 1982 film of the same name) and it that it was a heartfelt comedy episode to watch out for.
To end the interview, I asked both Tim and Dave what their plans are for the future of the series. Would there be a season 2?
“We’re gonna spend all the money and make it.” Tim jokingly said again.
“I love E3. I love The Game Awards. I love it when the gaming community comes to celebrate and talk about gaming culture. I love these calendar moments, and if we’re lucky enough I’m hoping this series can become another calendar event to celebrate the biggest entertainment club – Us.” said Dave Wilson. “I’ve loved gaming since I was 7 years old and I don’t think it’s going anywhere. We’ve been playing games for thousands of years, and if we could contribute in a meaningful way and we could invite who may not be gamers into this world and fascinate them with the short stories we’re telling, then that would be awesome.”
“We’ve only scratched the surface.” Tim added. “There’s so many games out there for future seasons.”
The interview ended with me agreeing with their remarks and that there’s room for more. The sky’s the limit, and this show is just getting started in bringing a new kind of way to explore and enter the world of video games.
Secret Level is now streaming on Prime Video, and will consist of 15 stories set in the worlds of many different video games.
