From final boss battles to the dangers of open-world bloat, TV and film can learn a lot from video games

TV shows often struggle to replicate the excitement of video games, but there are moments when both forms come together in perfect harmony. Take Edge of Tomorrow, for instance, which has an unmistakable feel reminiscent of sci-fi roguelike gameplay.

However, it's also possible that TV shows can learn from video games' pitfalls - like unnecessary side-quests and excessive open-world bloat. The most recent season of Stranger Things served as a prime example of this. With its sprawling narrative, numerous characters, and an overabundance of exposition-heavy scenes, the show started to feel more like a never-ending game session than a engaging story.

A possible explanation for this trend is the influence of video games on TV and film creators. As an increasingly younger generation of gamers enters positions of power in these industries, they bring their gaming expertise with them. This can result in shows that are too focused on spectacle, action, and dialogue-heavy moments, while neglecting character development and meaningful storytelling.

The boundaries between interactive and non-interactive entertainment are becoming increasingly blurred as a result. Many movies now feel like games, thanks to increased reliance on computer-generated graphics and a faster-paced narrative. This fusion of styles can be a good thing when done right - just think of Edge of Tomorrow.

But not all TV shows are lucky enough to benefit from this synergy. Stranger Things' finale felt more like an endurance test than a thrilling conclusion, with extended scenes that left little room for character development or meaningful plot progression.

A notable exception to this trend is the game Indika, which tackles complex themes and issues in its narrative, blurring the lines between game and story even further. Available on PC, PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, this surreal and thought-provoking experience offers a compelling argument for why TV shows can learn from video games.

Ultimately, there's still much to be gained by embracing both the excitement of video games and the more cerebral aspects of storytelling.
 
I think it's fair to say that some people are just too harsh on Stranger Things 🤔. The show was never meant to be a slow-burning, character-driven drama like Breaking Bad - it's a nostalgic throwback to the 80s, with plenty of action and suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat! And let's be real, who doesn't love a good '70s sci-fi flick 🚀? The show's creators are just trying to pay homage to their childhood favorites, not win any awards for subtlety or nuance 😊.
 
I totally feel you about the Stranger Things finale 🤯💔 It was like they were trying too hard to fit in all these awesome gaming elements, but forgot what makes a good story: its characters! 😊 I mean, don't get me wrong, the nostalgia factor is still strong, but sometimes less is more, right? ⚠️ Too much exposition can be overwhelming and makes you feel like you're stuck in an open-world game that never ends 🤯👀 Meanwhile, shows like Indika are killing it (pun intended) with their deep storytelling and immersive gameplay 🎮💻 It's all about finding that perfect balance between excitement and substance. Can't wait to see what other creators come up with next! 👀 #TVvsGames #Storytelling #GamingMeetsEntertainment
 
I gotta say, I'm all about those sci-fi movies with a dash of gaming vibes 😎. Edge of Tomorrow is like, the ultimate example of this magic happening. But what really gets me is how some TV shows are going too far in trying to replicate that game feel 🤯. I mean, come on, 5-6 hours of exposition-heavy scenes? Give me a break 💀! That's just not engaging storytelling. And don't even get me started on the side-quests - I mean, who needs more character development than you already have? 🙄 It's all about balance, fam 🤝. Let's keep it real with some meaningful plot progression and character growth. The boundaries between games and shows are blurring for a reason - let's make it work in our favor 🎮💡
 
I'm totally fascinated by how our entertainment mediums are evolving 🤯. It makes me think about how we're living in a world where the lines between reality and fantasy are getting increasingly blurred. I mean, when you're watching a show that's basically just an extended video game session, it starts to make you question what's real and what's not. And that's a pretty mind-blowing concept when you think about it 😲.

I also love how the gaming industry is influencing our TV shows in some really interesting ways. It's like, we're finally starting to see the value of interactivity in storytelling - why should a show just be a passive experience when we can engage with it on multiple levels? But at the same time, I don't want to see us lose sight of what makes great storytelling truly great. We need to find that balance between spectacle and substance.

It's also got me thinking about our relationship with technology - how are we using these new mediums to explore deeper themes and ideas? Like, Indika seems like a really cool example of this. But I also think about all the other games out there that tackle some pretty heavy stuff, from mental health to social justice... it's like, what does that mean for our society as a whole?

Anyway, just some food for thought 🤔
 
idk what's up with all these new shows trying to be like video games lol i just watched stranger things finale and it felt like they were trying too hard to fit in with the gaming culture 🤣 i mean, can't we just have a good story without all the exposition? and why do they always gotta make everything so action-packed?! ugh my friend ranted about this on discord last night btw did u hear that new game indika is available now? never heard of it but sounds kinda cool 🎮
 
The line between interactive and non-interactive entertainment is getting super confusing 🤯. I think it's awesome how some creators are bringing their gaming expertise to TV shows, but at the same time, we're seeing a lot of unnecessary filler scenes that just drag on for ages. Stranger Things had so much potential, but that finale was like, "can we just get to the good stuff already?" 🤔.

I'm loving the idea of shows that blend the best of both worlds, though! Edge of Tomorrow is like the perfect example of this. And then there's Indika, which is like, whoa... it's so deep and thought-provoking. It's making me wonder what other games are pushing the boundaries of storytelling and whether we'll see more shows that take a similar approach.

One thing I'm curious about is how these newer creators are going to balance the need for spectacle and action with meaningful character development and plot progression. It's like, we want to be entertained, but we also want to feel invested in the story and characters. Fingers crossed they figure it out! 💻
 
Back
Top