Whether you’re exclusively a movie buff or you dip your toes in all forms of digital entertainment, it likely won’t have escaped your attention that video games today are a lot more cinematic than their 1990s counterparts. That extends to the storytelling within games too. In fact, today’s games are so complex that it’s genuinely hard to tell them apart from limited series or feature length films.
Join us as we head into a deep dive about the generative relationship between cinematic storytelling and gaming!
Gaming as Digital Entertainment
The history of cinematic storytelling and video games is actually a pretty interesting journey, and a pivotal one in helping the gaming industry achieve its status as the world’s favorite medium of digital entertainment.
During the very early days of home gaming, text-based adventures like Zork laid the groundwork for narrative-driven games. As the years progressed and technology advanced, so too did the complexity of stories being told and experienced through video games. Titles like Final Fantasy VII and Metal Gear Solid began to incorporate more sophisticated storytelling techniques, borrowing heavily from cinematic conventions.
More recently, blockbuster titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Last of Us have really begun to push the boundaries of what’s possible in storytelling and cinematic design in video games. They don’t just offer players engaging gameplay and advanced graphics, but also connect with them on a deep, emotional level.
The Last of Us, in particular, has made full use of high-quality voice acting, detailed character development, and a compelling and intricate plot, ensuring that it rivaled the best of Hollywood films. The fusion of interactive gameplay with filmic storytelling has allowed for a more immersive and emotionally resonant experience, drawing players deeper into the narrative. No surprises, then, that the game was adapted into a limited run HBO show in 2023.
Hollywood’s Impact on Gaming…and Vice Versa
Modern day games stand testament to the impact that Hollywood and traditional screenwriting and filming techniques are having on the gaming industry. Many games now employ techniques like dynamic camera angles and sophisticated cutscenes. Meanwhile, character-driven narratives have become staples—The Uncharted series, for instance, feels like playing an Indiana Jones movie.
Moreover, the involvement of Hollywood talent in video game production has become more commonplace. Big-name actors and directors are increasingly lending their skills to game development, even Mads Mikkelsen has leant his voice acting chops to Death Stranding.
But this artistic influence isn’t just a one-way street. Conversely, game developers are influencing the film industry with their own innovative approaches to technology and digital game design. The use of real-time rendering and motion capture in game development has found a home in filmmaking, enhancing VFX and the subsequent realism of the finished film. This symbiotic relationship is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in both mediums, leading to much more engaging and immersive experiences for audiences across the board.
Adaptation, Adaptation
With such a close relationship between Hollywood and gaming, there have been countless adaptations and crossovers between the two over the past few decades. While some have gone on to achieve staggering success, others have had more disappointing results.
Adapting video games into movies is a tricky endeavor, since no matter how appealing the source material is, the critical and commercial response to such adaptations is often mixed. We’re beginning to see things turnaround here in the 21st century, though. Just look at the huge success of Detective Pikachu, which garnered praise from the gaming community for its faithful, high-quality adaptation of the beloved Nintendo IP and appealed to general movie goers.
In contrast, despite plenty of anticipation building up among both film fans and gamers, the Assassin’s Creed movie struggled to translate the game’s intricate lore and expansive world into a cohesive film narrative. The key to a successful adaptation, then, seems to lie in maintaining the essence of the original game while making sympathetic alterations to fit the cinematic medium. It goes without saying that understanding the elements that made the game popular in the first place is crucial to winning over audiences on both sides.
Generally speaking, there’s been a greater run of successes in creating video games from movie adaptations. Plus, this process allows for the generation of diverse games across all genres, from RPGs to digital casino gaming and even VR titles. Movies like Jurassic Park and The Dark Knight have been successfully adapted into online slots games, alongside more conventional slots titles like Big Blue Bounty and Fishin’ Frenzy. This varied selection offers a different kind of gaming experience that resonates with casual gamers as much as committed players. Plus, the blockbuster themed slots also stand out as the right way to do a movie tie-in!
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
In terms of what the future holds for this storytelling in gaming, the full influence of the Metaverse and Extended Reality is yet to be seen, be we can expect this new era to take a guiding role in how things play out. We’re already starting to see an increased focus on interactive narratives in gaming, which enable players to make their own choices that directly affect a story’s outcome. Think of them as choose your own adventure stories played in the digital realm!
Main photo courtesy of Unsplash