Hi everyone!

Hi all, I'm Ibrahim :)

What got me thinking this week was the discussion over film and video games, and how those two overlap, but at the same time can be different from one another.

The main point of interest for me is the linearity of film, as compared to the open world environments of video games.

It's true that video games tend to branch out of the environment and provide a much more immersive experience through interaction, however, it got me questioning whether they are really that much different from film. Even though a film narrative is linear, and our decisions don't really make a difference to it, hasn't that been the same case with video games, if only until recently?
Games such as Prince of Persia, Assassin's Creed and Grand Theft Auto provide us with a degree of freedom and decision-making, however, they are just as 'glued' to the narrative as a film is - it's not how you get there, it's a matter of what's at the end.

In saying that, there are games like Heavy Rain and a particular Silent Hill game (which I won't even try to remember the name of!), which allow you to make decisions that could have a
different impact. However, they all intend for a specific ending. I may be leaving a game out that doesn't do this, feel free to name it for me!

The one example that sticks in my mind is Prince of Persia: Warrior Within. The game has two endings, one where the apparent enemy is killed at the final stage, and one where the apparent enemy becomes an ally who helps kill a bigger enemy. Even though both endings have given us the opportunity to experience a much more open world, the latter ending is the intended one because it is relevant to the game's sequel. So even though we're given a decision, there is a particular, linear narrative that must be followed.
The one example that could contradict my point may be Fable, in which 'every decision' the player makes has an impact, resulting in a different narrative. However, I've never really played Fable, and the most I know about it is through YouTube and Wikipedia, so if anyone's got experience in that I'd love to read about it!

Video games may be independent of film, but as far as having a story goes, they have to follow the same set pattern as most films do.

Given that I've already labelled myself as a non-gamer, there may be people out there pulling their hair out over things I've gotten wrong (if not, woohoo!)... so please, correct me!

- Ibrahim

P.S. Also, I guess I should let everyone know that the only video game I've ever played from start to finish (and know an unhealthy amount about) is Prince of Persia... so excuse me for repeating that example over and over again over the coming weeks!