The recent phenomenon in TV and film where creators are emulating video game structures and gameplay elements can be both exciting and frustrating for audiences. The latest season of Stranger Things, which concluded with a finale that felt more like an open-world bloat than a climactic battle, is a prime example. After 80% of the final season consisted of characters explaining plot points to each other using random 1980s objects, it wasn't until the last episode that something fun happened – a brief respite from the endless exposition and slow pacing.
This nostalgia for video games' excitement and spectacle is becoming increasingly evident in the entertainment industry. Shows like Edge of Tomorrow, which borrowed its premise from sci-fi roguelike games, have become more common. Even films, such as John Wick 4, feel like they're channeling the fast-paced action and combat mechanics found in fighting games.
However, this trend has a downside. The need to emulate video game structures can lead to unnecessary side-quests and open-world bloat, making it difficult for audiences to become invested in the story or characters. Stranger Things' finale is a perfect example of this – with multiple locations, characters, and plot threads, it's easy to lose track of what's happening.
As the boundaries between interactive and non-interactive entertainment continue to blur, creators must be mindful of when to borrow from video games and when to strike a balance. The line between excitement and exhaustion is easily crossed, as evidenced by Stranger Things' finale feeling more like an overlong game than a satisfying conclusion.
In contrast, recent releases such as Indika, a surreal and thought-provoking game about a young nun questioning her faith, showcase the potential for video games to explore complex themes and ideas. With its five-hour playtime, Indika is an example of how developers can create engaging experiences that are both short and sweet.
In conclusion, while TV and film creators may learn a lot from video games, it's essential to strike a balance between embracing the excitement and spectacle of gaming culture and avoiding unnecessary bloat and side-quests. By doing so, they can create engaging and satisfying stories for audiences.
This nostalgia for video games' excitement and spectacle is becoming increasingly evident in the entertainment industry. Shows like Edge of Tomorrow, which borrowed its premise from sci-fi roguelike games, have become more common. Even films, such as John Wick 4, feel like they're channeling the fast-paced action and combat mechanics found in fighting games.
However, this trend has a downside. The need to emulate video game structures can lead to unnecessary side-quests and open-world bloat, making it difficult for audiences to become invested in the story or characters. Stranger Things' finale is a perfect example of this – with multiple locations, characters, and plot threads, it's easy to lose track of what's happening.
As the boundaries between interactive and non-interactive entertainment continue to blur, creators must be mindful of when to borrow from video games and when to strike a balance. The line between excitement and exhaustion is easily crossed, as evidenced by Stranger Things' finale feeling more like an overlong game than a satisfying conclusion.
In contrast, recent releases such as Indika, a surreal and thought-provoking game about a young nun questioning her faith, showcase the potential for video games to explore complex themes and ideas. With its five-hour playtime, Indika is an example of how developers can create engaging experiences that are both short and sweet.
In conclusion, while TV and film creators may learn a lot from video games, it's essential to strike a balance between embracing the excitement and spectacle of gaming culture and avoiding unnecessary bloat and side-quests. By doing so, they can create engaging and satisfying stories for audiences.
. Stranger Things just went from being all about the mystery to having like 80% of that final season just being people explaining stuff to each other with retro objects 
. It's like they forgot what makes it cool - the actual story! 
. Edge of Tomorrow was cool 'cause it was different, but now every other show is trying to be like that too...it's just become stale.
- short, sweet, and actually makes you think about some deep stuff. I wish more creators would take a page from their playbook instead of just copying video game tropes 
! Like, I get why creators want to tap into that sweet, sweet gaming magic 
, but come on, sometimes it feels like they're just trying to cram in as much stuff as possible and call it a season 
. Stranger Things' finale was literally the most epic example of "too much is never enough" 
Like how sometimes you're all hyped up from playing a new game, only to realize you've been stuck in an endless loop of unnecessary side quests 
And I'm like, can't we find a way to make it more meaningful and engaging? Maybe Indika is the answer, but what about the rest of us who don't have the luxury of having a 5-hour playtime to indulge in thought-provoking experiences? 
It's all about balance, right?
. Shows like Indika, which explore complex themes in a concise and engaging way, are a breath of fresh air 
. However, when done poorly, it can lead to exhaustion 
. It's all about finding that balance between spectacle and storytelling 
.
It's all about finding that sweet spot between nostalgia and pacing. And don't even get me started on how cool it would be to see more indie games like Indika making its way to TV and film...it's a whole new world of storytelling possibilities 
You know what's better? Like that new game Indika 
. Both have this "balance" issue - too much repetition and not enough progress 
. And what's up with the slow pacing? That's like watching a Senate hearing 
. Let's not forget, it's all about finding that sweet spot between excitement and exhaustion 
. Five hours of playtime? That's commitment! 
.
And let's be real, who doesn't love a good '80s nostalgia fest? 
. I mean, don't get me wrong, who doesn't love a good fast-paced action scene or a mind-blowing plot twist? But when it feels like the creators are just phoning it in and copying video game structures for the sake of it, it gets super frustrating 
like stranger things finale tho ugh what happened to the good old days of actual plot twists 
like, can't we just watch the show without being spoonfed every little detail? i mean, it's already 80% exposition 
.