Looking to Games as Adjacent to Literature

Immersive storytelling: Unveiling the literary potential of gaming experiences

Date:

Each form of entertainment is distinct in where their strengths lie and what they’re capable of delivering to audiences. Books have always held a very certain appeal, and that’s something that’s often made them quite difficult to adapt – books featuring intensive explorations of the internal lives of their characters can be hard to translate to film or TV as those are inherently quite different and visually focused. Gaming might not be something you think of as being similar to literature, especially with its reputation as being often more action-focused. However, giving it a second chance could illuminate a world similar to one you know and love.

Literary Explorations

This isn’t to suggest that movies cannot thoroughly examine an issue or theme with depth, as many have proven their ability to do so. However, the way it does is often different from how novels go about it due to simple deviations in format. Games like Planescape: Torment opened the door for games to tackle questions of identity with a focus that inspired several others, like Disco Elysium, Pentiment, and Kentucky Route Zero, to carry the torch.

However, this brings you back to the scope of what games can accomplish. They can have that kind of intention, but it might also be that they’re focused on fun, such as with online shooters or online casinos like https://www.casinojokaclub.co/fr. Neither is inherently better than the other. The versatility of the medium is something that identifies it and makes it stand alone.

The Saga

Part of what some people enjoy about spending time with a book that they love is the ongoing nature of the narrative. A movie that adapts a book will inevitably have to make cuts as it needs to retain what is relevant to the plot progression or character development. However, a book can go on tangents and take more time due to its format and length. Games are much the same in this way, and many open-world games feature diversions at the discretion of the player, creating a sense of personal involvement in how the story plays out.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is a good example of this. Not only can the player explore the game’s landscapes at their own leisure, but the story focuses on the unravelling of a gang of multiple characters, giving each one time to impact the player in lower-stakes settings before it gradually builds to various conclusions.

Imaginative Power

Literature still have an advantage over games here due to the boundless power of the imagination, but what gaming are capable of creating in terms of setting and environments is truly varied – often incorporating the imagination of the player into that as well in the case of isometric games. Exploring these environments at your own whim can add to the sense of immersion created here, at times allowing you to feel as though you have been transported to another world in the way that the best books can convey.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Share post:

Subscribe

Popular

More like this
Related

Unexpected Gifts for Avid Readers That Really Make an Impact

Discover unexpected gifts that truly touch a reader’s heart. From personalized literary keepsakes to cozy reading accessories and eco-friendly ideas, find inspiration for thoughtful presents that celebrate every book lover’s passion.

What Are the Differences Between a DPT and Other Therapy Programs?

Explore the key differences between the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and other therapy programs like occupational therapy, speech therapy, and athletic training. Learn about education, scope of practice, and career opportunities.

Young Adult Book Tropes: 25+ Irresistible Patterns That Keep Teen Readers Hooked

Discover 25+ popular young adult book tropes that captivate teen readers—from enemies-to-lovers romances to chosen ones and found families. Explore why these narrative patterns continue to dominate YA literature and BookTok trends.

Fantasy Book Tropes: 30+ Magical Patterns That Define the Genre

Discover 30+ fantasy book tropes that define magical storytelling, from the chosen one and dark lord archetypes to hidden magical worlds and epic quests. Perfect for readers and aspiring writers.