The final boss battle - an event that has long been the pinnacle of excitement in video games. But what happens when this iconic moment becomes a recurring theme in TV and film? Does it translate to real-life entertainment, or does it feel like a hollow imitation?
In recent years, there's been a notable trend where TV shows and movies have started to emulate the structure and style of video games. Shows like Resident Evil and Stranger Things have taken inspiration from survival horror games, incorporating long periods of slow-paced exploration with bursts of action-packed excitement.
However, this trend also brings some drawbacks. One of the most glaring issues is open-world bloat. Just as in games, TV shows and movies often feel more engaging when they focus on a specific narrative thread rather than trying to cram too much content into an expansive world. The problem with Stranger Things is that it's so overly ambitious, resulting in a convoluted plot that feels like an endurance test.
Another issue is the reliance on convenient plot devices. In video games, these are often used to progress through levels or overcome obstacles. But when applied to TV and film, they can feel contrived and unengaging. The use of random 1980s objects to illustrate convoluted plans and plot points in Stranger Things feels like a cheap attempt at world-building.
It's also worth noting that the line between interactive and non-interactive entertainment is becoming increasingly blurred. Games are influencing TV shows and movies, but it's not always a positive thing. Marvel movies, for example, often feel more like video games than actual films.
This trend raises an interesting question: when does a game adaptation become too similar to the source material? Is there a point where you've lost the essence of what makes a game great in the first place?
One solution might be to focus on creating original stories that draw inspiration from games, rather than trying to replicate them exactly. A more nuanced approach would be to find ways to incorporate video game elements into TV shows and movies without sacrificing narrative coherence.
As for what to watch or play next, there's a great example in the game Indika. This surreal and thought-provoking game explores themes of faith, control, and sexuality through a series of strange and unsettling encounters. With only five hours of gameplay, it's an excellent choice for those looking for something different.
In terms of reading, David Rosen, the co-founder of Sega, has passed away at 95. A great opportunity to learn more about his life and legacy as an influential figure in video games.
Finally, if you're looking for something new to play or watch, there are plenty of options available. From PS5 games to Grand Theft Auto V, there's a wealth of content to explore. But when it comes to the trend of TV shows and movies drawing inspiration from video games, it's clear that we need more original storytelling and less reliance on familiar formulas.
In recent years, there's been a notable trend where TV shows and movies have started to emulate the structure and style of video games. Shows like Resident Evil and Stranger Things have taken inspiration from survival horror games, incorporating long periods of slow-paced exploration with bursts of action-packed excitement.
However, this trend also brings some drawbacks. One of the most glaring issues is open-world bloat. Just as in games, TV shows and movies often feel more engaging when they focus on a specific narrative thread rather than trying to cram too much content into an expansive world. The problem with Stranger Things is that it's so overly ambitious, resulting in a convoluted plot that feels like an endurance test.
Another issue is the reliance on convenient plot devices. In video games, these are often used to progress through levels or overcome obstacles. But when applied to TV and film, they can feel contrived and unengaging. The use of random 1980s objects to illustrate convoluted plans and plot points in Stranger Things feels like a cheap attempt at world-building.
It's also worth noting that the line between interactive and non-interactive entertainment is becoming increasingly blurred. Games are influencing TV shows and movies, but it's not always a positive thing. Marvel movies, for example, often feel more like video games than actual films.
This trend raises an interesting question: when does a game adaptation become too similar to the source material? Is there a point where you've lost the essence of what makes a game great in the first place?
One solution might be to focus on creating original stories that draw inspiration from games, rather than trying to replicate them exactly. A more nuanced approach would be to find ways to incorporate video game elements into TV shows and movies without sacrificing narrative coherence.
As for what to watch or play next, there's a great example in the game Indika. This surreal and thought-provoking game explores themes of faith, control, and sexuality through a series of strange and unsettling encounters. With only five hours of gameplay, it's an excellent choice for those looking for something different.
In terms of reading, David Rosen, the co-founder of Sega, has passed away at 95. A great opportunity to learn more about his life and legacy as an influential figure in video games.
Finally, if you're looking for something new to play or watch, there are plenty of options available. From PS5 games to Grand Theft Auto V, there's a wealth of content to explore. But when it comes to the trend of TV shows and movies drawing inspiration from video games, it's clear that we need more original storytelling and less reliance on familiar formulas.
. like, what's the point of just copying the same old enemy patterns or boss battles if you're not gonna make it feel unique & impactful in a cinematic way? and another thing that grinds my gears is how they always gotta include some kinda 'twist' plot reveal 
. newsflash: it gets old fast! we need more nuanced storytelling & less reliance on cheap tricks to keep the audience engaged 
They're sacrificing narrative coherence for explosive set pieces and convenient plot twists 
I mean, who needs an 8-episode arc when you can have a 5-minute cutscene? It's like they're not even trying to tell a story anymore 
The line between interactive and non-interactive entertainment is getting all mixed up... games are influencing movies and TV shows, but it's not always for the better 
they're kinda cool but also super cheesy. I'm like "no thanks" when it comes to the whole video game adaptation thing. Sometimes it feels like they just copy-paste from the games without adding anything new or interesting. Open-world stuff can be so bloated and meh... give me a good ol' fashioned linear story any day! 
And don't even get me started on how it affects the pacing of these shows... 5+ hours of slow-burning build-up just to have some explosive action scenes is just not my cup of tea 
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I'm so over open-world bloat and convenient plot devices... it feels like they're trying too hard to be like their video game counterparts.
. It's got some really heavy themes that are worth exploring, even if it can be a bit of a slog at times. Anyway, I'm just saying... maybe we need to focus more on original storytelling instead of trying to recreate the same old formulas 
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They're churning out the same old formulas, the same old characters, and expecting us to buy into it. Meanwhile, there's this one game, Indika, that's like a breath of fresh air - it's weird, it's thought-provoking, and it actually makes you think 
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. And don't even get me started on how it feels like they're just phoning it in with those random 80s props 
. It's like we're stuck in an endless loop of familiar beats rather than exploring new and innovative ways to tell stories 
. And when you factor in the influence of games on TV and film, it can be tough to separate what's truly original from what's just a copycat approach 
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. Now, if only we could get some of those game devs on TV and in movies... 
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. The pressure to deliver is way more intense, which means they have to get every plot twist and character reveal just right. And let's be real, that's where the magic happens - or not 
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. Just don't expect me to jump on the bandwagon anytime soon 
So much of it explores themes that are so relevant to modern life, but in a way that's both unsettling and mesmerizing. If you're looking for something new to get into, I'd totally recommend checking it out! 
. plus, those convenient plot devices can be so cringeworthy 
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. We need to move beyond these familiar formulas and find new ways to tell stories that capture our imaginations.
It's so surreal and thought-provoking, I love how it explores these deep themes in such a strange and unsettling way 
. If you're looking for something new to play, I'd def check out that one 
. And omg David Rosen, co-founder of Sega, just passed away 
... what an iconic figure in the gaming world 
. Anyway, back to Stranger Things... yeah, I get why it feels like an endurance test 
... all those plot threads and characters, it's hard to keep up!