God of War goes to Hollywood

Universal Pictures has bought the rights to create a film adaptation of Sony Computer Entertainment's critically acclaimed PlayStation 2 action-adventure, God of War, according to trade Variety magazine.

The Hollywood trade publication has reported Batman Begins producer, Charles Roven, has been slated to produce the film, along with Alex Gartner of Mosiac Media. There are currently no writers, directors or cast lined up at this early stage.

God of War follows ex-Spartan warrior Kratos in his quest to destroy the titular Greek god of war, Ares, via a mixture of puzzle-solving, mythological creature battles and the bedding of numerous nubile ladies. While topping the US charts after its release in March, Sony's game received a rather more lukewarm reception in the UK, only managing a fifth place debut after its July 7th launch.

The title is the latest in an increasing line of videogames being courted by Hollywood, with a rash of others in the pipeline. Activision's sci-fi horror, Doom, recently saw its first trailer unveiled for the movie, starring ex-WWE wrestler, The Rock. Further down the line is an adaptation of popular Microsoft first-person shooter Halo, with writer Alex Garland (The Beach, 28 Days Later) heading the script, although its production has said to be rife with creative control issues. The treatment for Konami's Silent Hill has also began shooting , starring Sean Bean. The writing chores are being handled by Roger Avary, co-writer of Quentin Tarantino's cult classic Pulp Fiction.