The Impact of Cinematic Trends on AAA Game Development

The Rise of Cinema-Inspired Video Games

The Last of Us, released in 2013, was critically acclaimed for its cinematic storytelling and photorealistic graphics. This game mimicked the trappings of cinema, an established medium, by incorporating intricate narrative arcs and meticulously crafted cutscenes. The success of The Last of Us has since influenced the gaming industry, particularly AAA game development, by setting a precedent for what high-budget games should aspire to be.

However, this trend has also narrowed the perception of what video games can be. The emphasis on "prestige (photorealistic) graphics" and cinematic cutscenes has become almost a prerequisite for flagship titles. This shift has limited the artistic potential of 3D modeling in AAA games, as developers often prioritize visual realism over innovative gameplay mechanics and unique art styles.

The Shift from Real-Time Narratives to Cinematic Cutscenes

One of the significant impacts of this cinematic trend is the replacement of real-time narrative events with pre-rendered cutscenes. Games like Half-Life 2, which utilized real-time storytelling to immerse players directly into the narrative, are becoming rarer. Instead, many modern AAA games rely heavily on cinematic sequences to convey their stories, often at the expense of player agency and interactivity.

This inclination towards cinematic storytelling indicates a certain insecurity within the medium of video games. By clinging to the trappings of more "respected" art forms like cinema, some developers seem to be striving for validation rather than exploring the unique potentials of interactive storytelling.

The Role of Indie Games and Smaller Studios

In contrast to the AAA scene, smaller studios and indie games are thriving by embracing handmade art and exploring innovative genres. These games often prioritize creativity and uniqueness over photorealism, offering fresh and diverse gaming experiences. For instance, Elden Ring, a popular recent game, features minimal narrative conveyed through item descriptions and vague dialogues, allowing players to piece together the story themselves.

Moreover, the most popular games of 2024, such as Minecraft and Fortnite, do not fit the cinematic, photorealistic mold. These games emphasize gameplay mechanics, creativity, and community interaction over cinematic storytelling, proving that there is still a significant demand for diverse gaming experiences.

The Historical Context and Future of Cinematic Games

It's important to note that video games have been borrowing elements from cinema for decades. Games like Silent Hill have played like horror movies, offering a unique way to step into the protagonist's shoes. However, the idea that video games should only be one thing is contrary to what art should be. Art forms regularly borrow and inject elements from each other, like movies embedding literature and poetry, or music videos bringing an audio medium to visual life.

The Last of Us exploited an underutilized genre, showing a hunger for diverse gaming experiences. While extreme graphics are less of an expectation now than ever before, the influence of cinematic games persists. Yet, the AAA gaming sphere has pigeonholed the artistic potential of 3D modeling by focusing on photorealism, which has led to a homogenization of game design.

The Potential of Real-Time Narrative Events

Despite the dominance of cinematic cutscenes, real-time narrative events in games still hold immense potential for unique storytelling. These events can offer a level of immersion and interactivity that pre-rendered cutscenes cannot match. By blending narrative and gameplay seamlessly, developers can create experiences that are distinct from other art forms.

The Last of Us and similar games have undoubtedly influenced the perception of video games. However, the continued success of diverse and non-cinematic games demonstrates that the medium is far from monolithic. As the industry evolves, it is crucial for developers to recognize the value of varied artistic expressions and innovative storytelling techniques in creating memorable and impactful gaming experiences.