Sony omet les scénaristes d'Until Dawn dans les crédits du film

This situation highlights a growing and long-overdue conversation about creator rights, credit, and recognition in cross-media adaptations, especially within the video game industry. Kim MacAskill’s public appeal—through her petition and social media posts—shines a critical light on a systemic issue that extends far beyond Until Dawn.

Key Issues Raised:

1. The Disparity in Credit Between Adaptations

   • The Last of Us HBO series, while based on a game, prominently credits Neil Druckmann as both writer and director. This not only acknowledges his creative authorship but also positions him as a central figure in the franchise’s expansion.
   • In contrast, the Until Dawn movie, despite being adapted from a critically acclaimed game, fails to credit the original narrative designers and developers—despite their foundational role in shaping the story, characters, and tone.

2. The Myth of "No Personal Gain" for Salaried Creators

   • MacAskill rightly points out that many game developers work under standard employment contracts where they do not own intellectual property (IP), nor do they receive royalties. This is a well-known industry norm, but it’s increasingly seen as outdated and unfair, especially when those games become cultural touchstones.
   • Her statement that Sony executives told her, "the intellectual property I helped create would never carry my name because I was a salaried employee," underscores a deeper problem: creators are often treated as disposable contributors rather than co-architects of lasting entertainment.

3. A Double Standard in Recognition

   • MacAskill draws a sharp contrast between how Sony treats Druckmann—who was clearly given significant creative autonomy and recognition—and others like herself, who contributed deeply to another major IP.
   • This raises serious questions about internal equity and fairness within large studios. Why are some creators elevated while others remain nameless in adaptations?

4. The Need for Policy Reform

   • Her call to action isn’t just emotional—it’s structural. She's asking for updated company-wide policies on IP crediting, especially in transmedia projects. A simple executive producer credit or "created by" tag could go a long way toward honoring the original visionaries.

Why This Matters Beyond One Game

• The Game Industry is a Creative Engine: Games like Until Dawn aren’t just entertainment—they’re narrative art forms, often blending film, literature, and interactivity. Their creators deserve respect comparable to writers, directors, and composers in other media.

• Inspiration for Future Developers: When people see that creators are acknowledged—even if they don’t own the IP—it sends a message: Your work matters. This fuels innovation, passion, and long-term investment in the craft.

• The Power of the Petition: While not legally binding, MacAskill’s petition carries weight because it’s supported by community concern. It signals that fans, players, and fellow creatives are watching—and demanding better.

What Should Sony Do?

Sony has a real opportunity here to lead by example:

• Update the film’s credits to include key original writers and narrative designers (e.g., MacAskill, Supermassive Games’ team).
• Revise internal policy to allow for formal recognition in adaptations—even if not full ownership—such as "based on a story by [Name]" or "creative consultant" roles.
• Establish a precedent for salaried creators to retain some level of credit and potential equity in major adaptations—possibly through a small royalty share or advisory role.

This isn’t about undermining Sony’s control—it’s about acknowledging the human element behind every great game.

Final Thoughts

Kim MacAskill isn’t just fighting for a name on a movie credit. She’s fighting for recognition, dignity, and industry-wide reform. Her message resonates far beyond Until Dawn:

“Let’s stand up not just for the creators of Until Dawn, but for the integrity of our entire field.”

As fans, critics, and fellow creators, we should support her. Sign the petition. Demand better. And make it clear: no story, no game, no adaptation should be built on invisible labor.

🎬🎮 And yes—this may be a perfect time for Until Dawn Remastered to return to PlayStation Plus in May 2025. But if it’s going to be promoted again, let it come with proper respect for the people who made it unforgettable.

🔗 Want to support the cause?
👉 [Sign Kim MacAskill’s petition here] (hypothetical link)
👉 Share this article.
👉 Tag Sony, HBO, and game studios on social media: #CreditTheCreators #UntilDawn #GameLit

Because the next great story deserves to be told with all hands on deck.