The Growing Influence of Gaming on Film and TV

The world of gaming is no longer confined to consoles and controllers; it's rapidly influencing mainstream entertainment, particularly in film and television. From the Primetime Emmy-winning series The Last of Us to Five Nights at Freddy's, Blumhouse’s highest-grossing film to date, many of the most popular recent releases have roots in video games. Fans of these films and shows are often surprised to learn their origins in gaming, but it’s becoming more common than one might expect. As the lines between video games, television, and film continue to blur, adaptations are proving just how compelling and cinematic game-inspired stories can be. In this article, we’ll explore how gaming is shaping today’s film and TV landscape and why this trend shows no signs of slowing down.

NARRATIVE DEPTH

Complex Storytelling

Video games have evolved into intricate, story-rich experiences, with plots that rival those of films and TV series. Modern games are often more than just an interactive experience; they are crafted with layered storytelling, deep character arcs, and complex moral decisions. As mentioned above, an excellent example of this is The Last of Us, which captivated players with its heart-wrenching story and rich character development. When adapted for television, these elements were easily translated into a gripping, cinematic narrative, allowing audiences unfamiliar with the game to still connect deeply with the characters and storyline. Game adaptations like this bring a new level of narrative sophistication to the screen, often surpassing traditional storytelling norms.

Engaging Characters

Iconic video game characters carry significant influence when adapted for the screen, enriching storytelling with their established traits and complex backstories. Characters like Lara Croft (Tomb Raider) and Joel(The Last of Us) have successfully made the leap to film and TV, capturing audiences with their depth and unique personalities. These adaptations allow beloved characters to grow within new narrative contexts, adding fresh layers to character-driven storytelling.

However, adapting these characters comes with unique challenges. Dmitri M. Johnson, founder of DJ2 Entertainment—a production company specializing in video game adaptations—notes that when you remove the gamer’s participation, the character can become a “shell” of their in-game persona. In games like Max Payne, players don’t just control the character—they are the character, making their actions, decisions, and emotional journey deeply personal. The emotional connection players develop through direct involvement is crucial to the character's depth. When adapting these characters to film or TV, that direct connection is lost, and the character can appear underdeveloped unless carefully crafted. This means filmmakers must invest in fleshing out these characters, giving them motivations, emotions, and relationships that resonate independently from the gaming experience. Without this careful development, the character risks becoming a hollow version of their original self.

VISUAL TECHNIQUES

Cinematic Styles

Video games have become increasingly sophisticated in their visual storytelling, with many titles using dynamic camera angles, dramatic lighting, and refined editing techniques that enhance the cinematic feel of the experience. This cinematic quality is not confined to games alone but extends seamlessly into film and TV adaptations, as directors and cinematographers draw inspiration from gaming's unique visual language.

In recent adaptations, filmmakers often employ framing, lighting, and color palettes that mirror the immersive, interactive experience of gameplay. For example, in Uncharted (2022), the visual style of the film embraces sweeping shots, vibrant landscapes, and dynamic camera movements that closely mimic the excitement and fluidity of the original game. This helps create a seamless transition between the interactive world of the game and the passive consumption of the film, drawing the audience into the experience and making them feel like active participants. The immersive camera techniques used in games, such as tight close-ups or expansive panoramic shots, find their way into these adaptations, making viewers feel as though they are "inside" the action, not just observing it.

The use of lighting, too, often plays a significant role. In games like The Last of Us, lighting is used to enhance mood, create tension, and highlight key moments, which translates effectively into its TV adaptation. 

Action Sequences

Fast-paced gameplay, often characterized by quick reflexes and intense, high-energy sequences, has dramatically influenced how action scenes are filmed and choreographed in game-inspired movies. Directors of game adaptations have adopted the rapid cuts, dynamic camera angles, and first-person perspectives typical in games to replicate the thrill of gameplay in live-action sequences.

Films like Assassin’s Creed (2016) and the Resident Evil series (which spans multiple films) embrace this dynamic approach to action. In Assassin’s Creed, for example, the film’s choreography often mirrors the fluidity and agility seen in the game, with fast camera movements and intense close-ups designed to mimic the player’s experience of controlling the protagonist. These fast-paced sequences, paired with swift editing and high-octane action, create an adrenaline-fueled viewing experience akin to playing a game.

This influence from gaming isn't just about style—it's about maintaining the energy and intensity of a game’s action. In Resident Evil, the series builds on the pacing and combat mechanics of the original game, with quick cuts and first-person perspectives that bring viewers closer to the character's experience of navigating dangerous environments. This approach not only makes the action sequences visually exciting but also keeps the audience engaged, tapping into the same sense of urgency and thrill that players experience in the game.

Moreover, the use of first-person perspectives in video games has influenced non-adaptation films like Hardcore Henry (2015), which adopts a similar immersive style by simulating the perspective of a player, making the action even more intense. Although not based on a specific game, the film draws inspiration from the dynamic, fast-paced aesthetics commonly found in gaming. 

While Hardcore Henry may lack narrative depth, its impressive action sequences made it a thrilling and highly dangerous film to produce. Behind the scenes, multiple stuntmen came close to injury, contributing to the film’s reputation as one of the most physically demanding and risky productions. Read more here. 

AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT IN GAME ADAPTATIONS

Built-in Fan Bases

One of the most significant advantages of game adaptations is the built-in fan base that comes with popular video games. Successful video games, particularly those with expansive narratives or iconic characters, have cultivated large, dedicated communities eager to see their favorite stories brought to life on screen. These pre-existing audiences act as a powerful foundation for the adaptation, ensuring an eager viewership from the start. The initial success of adaptations like Sonic the Hedgehog and Arcane (based on League of Legends) is a testament to this. Both projects quickly captured attention not just for their quality but because they were backed by enthusiastic fan bases that were already deeply invested in the source material.

For studios and production companies, these established fan communities provide a valuable resource. Not only do they amplify the reach of the adaptation, but they also help build momentum through word-of-mouth, social media engagement, and fan-driven marketing. Fans often generate buzz before the adaptation even releases, leading to increased anticipation and, ultimately, higher viewership. This fan loyalty is crucial in the highly competitive entertainment landscape, as it offers a reliable core audience that can sustain a project’s early success and create a ripple effect across broader viewerships.

Interactive Elements

One of the unique elements of video games that has had a profound impact on storytelling in film and TV is interactivity. In games, players are often placed in control of the narrative, making decisions that directly impact the storyline. This immersive experience is something that traditional films and TV shows have not been able to replicate— until now.

While viewers don’t have direct control over the plot in game adaptations, many filmmakers and streaming platforms are experimenting with ways to weave interactive elements into the viewing experience. The rise of interactive episodes, like Black Mirror: Bandersnatch on Netflix, takes inspiration from the choices-driven structure of video games. In Bandersnatch, viewers make decisions that influence the direction of the story, mirroring the agency players have in video games. This concept of "viewer participation" is a natural extension of gaming’s interactive nature, allowing audiences to engage with the narrative in a personal way, even if they don’t have full control over the outcome.

Furthermore, the storytelling techniques used in games, such as branching narratives and multiple possible endings, have also begun to influence traditional TV writing. This makes the viewer’s experience feel more dynamic, as they navigate the narrative through different lenses based on decisions that subtly affect the storyline, characters, and tone. The merging of interactive elements with traditional storytelling formats could be the beginning of a new era in entertainment, where the audience plays a more active role in the story’s unfolding.

All in all, it’s clear that the growing influence of gaming on film and TV is reshaping how stories are told and experienced on screen. From narrative depth and rich character development to cinematic visual techniques and increased audience engagement, video games are continually influencing the entertainment industry. The built-in fan bases of popular game franchises not only ensure a built-in audience but also offer immense opportunities for marketing and outreach. Meanwhile, the interactive elements that define video games are starting to blend into the fabric of film and TV, offering audiences a more immersive and personalized viewing experience. As technology advances and storytelling techniques evolve, the lines between gaming, film, and TV will continue to blur, resulting in increasingly innovative and captivating crossovers that redefine entertainment for years to come.

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