The Evolving Influence of Video Games on Film and Television

The relationship between video games and visual media, particularly television and film, has evolved significantly in recent years. As a generation of gamers from Generation X and elder millennials have transitioned into creative roles within these industries, the influence of video games on storytelling and structure has become increasingly evident. Notably, the final season of *Stranger Things* has drawn comparisons to video game mechanics, with its pacing and narrative structure resembling that of an open-world game. Critics have noted that the season featured lengthy exposition and convoluted plot points, reminiscent of the slow-paced exploration often found in video games.

The Guardian

The finale of *Stranger Things* has been described as an endurance test, with the majority of its runtime dedicated to characters explaining complex plans while navigating various dimensions. This structure has led to criticism that the series has adopted the pitfalls of video games, such as unnecessary side quests and excessive world-building. The finale's climactic battle against a large demon-crab was seen as a highlight, yet the preceding narrative felt bloated and unfocused, akin to the frustrations of navigating an overextended game.

The Guardian

Despite the criticisms, the integration of video game elements into film and television can also be viewed positively. Films like *Edge of Tomorrow* and *John Wick 4* have been praised for their video game-like qualities, with their action sequences and narrative loops echoing gaming experiences. For some critics, a film that feels like a video game is a compliment, provided it avoids the tedium associated with poorly designed games.

The Guardian

The gaming industry currently faces a challenge with stagnation at the top of the market. Major franchises such as *Fortnite*, *Call of Duty*, *Grand Theft Auto V*, *Roblox*, and *Minecraft* continue to dominate player engagement, leaving little room for new titles. Data from Circana indicates that only 14% of playtime on Steam was spent on new releases in 2025, highlighting the difficulties new developers face in capturing players' attention amidst established mega-franchises.

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Industry insiders have expressed concern over the current state of gaming, with many developers feeling a bleak mood due to the overwhelming dominance of a few franchises. This has prompted publishers to invest heavily in live-service games, although many of these attempts have not succeeded.

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While some critics argue that the influence of video games on film and television is beneficial, others maintain that it leads to a decline in narrative quality. The debate continues over whether the integration of gaming elements enhances storytelling or detracts from it.

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• “This was the problem, for me, with Stranger Things: every episode felt like loading up an open-world game that I hadn’t played for a few months.” — Anonymous Critic

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• “When I say a movie feels like a video game, it’s a compliment – unless it feels like a boring video game.” — Anonymous Critic

The Guardian

The evolving dynamics between video games and visual media reflect broader trends in entertainment, as creators seek to engage audiences through familiar and interactive storytelling methods.

The Guardian