Semiótica analysis of the adaptation of scenes from the game to the series The Last of Us

Abstract

This article aims to identify common signs in the adaptation of the game The Last of Us to the series, recognizing the same narrative thread across different media. For this investigation, authors such as Peirce (1991), Santaella (2018), and Xavier (2015) were used, covering topics like storytelling and semiotics. A case study was also conducted on The Last of Us game and its audiovisual adaptation into the series of the same name, released on the HBO Max streaming platform. The analysis revealed that several scenes and signs were taken directly from the original material, with some dialogues even using the exact same words as in the game. The analysis shows that the fidelity and competence in the adaptation—specifically in the script, art direction, and cinematography—are factors that contribute significantly to the success of an audiovisual adaptation. Not only does this serve to captivate consumers of the original work, but it is also crucial for attracting new audiences by faithfully presenting a narrative already established in other media.