CBS Films has optioned screen rights to Deus Ex, the video game franchise from Square Enix. While vidgame film transfers don’t usually translate to big box office success, the Deus Ex franchise certainly has a following. Launched in 2000, its latest entry, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, topped global sales charts when it was released last year. Developed by Eidos-Montréal and published by Square Enix, Deus Ex: Human Revolution will serve as the primary template for the film. Roy Lee and Adrian Askarieh are attached to produce and John P. Middleton will executive produce.

Set in the near future, when dramatic advances in science, specifically human augmentation, have triggered a technological renaissance, Deus Ex: Human Revolution follows Adam Jensen, an ex-SWAT security specialist who must embrace mechanical augments in order to unravel a global conspiracy.

“As is clear from the wild success of the game, Square Enix and Eidos-Montréal know how to exceed their audience’s expectations by engineering incredible worlds,” CBS Films co-president Terry Press said. “No one knows Human Revolution like the team that created it and we look forward to working with them from day one to make a film adaptation worthy of the Deus Ex name.”

“As the millions of fans who have played the Deus Ex games for more than a decade will tell you, these games catapult you into a universe that is stimulating, engaging and relevant,” said Phil Rogers, president/CEO of Square Enix Europe. “We’re firm believers in building strong partnerships and so we’re thrilled to be working with CBS Films on bringing the unique Deus Ex experience to the big screen.” EVP Production Maria Faillace and Creative Executive Alex Ginno are overseeing the project for CBS Films.