Exploring the Intersection of Video Games and Television: Lessons from Severance

Why Understanding the Gaming Elements Behind "Severance" Can Revolutionize Your Perspective on Storytelling

In an era where boundaries between entertainment formats blur, understanding the creative influences behind popular TV shows becomes crucial. By examining how "Severance" incorporates ideas rooted in video game design, we uncover new dimensions of storytelling that transcend traditional formats.

Disorienting Narratives: A Shared Language Between Screens

The essence of "Severance" lies in its ability to create confusion and curiosity within its viewers. As characters navigate their dual lives—split between work personas (Innies) and personal selves (Outies)—audiences are left questioning the nature of reality itself. This deliberate withholding of information mirrors techniques employed by many renowned video games.

Consider titles such as "Portal," where players unravel mysteries through exploration and deduction. Similarly, in "Severance," character arcs unfold gradually, inviting speculation and engagement. However, unlike immersive gameplay experiences, passive observation limits audience immersion. While we witness moments of revelation vicariously through dialogue or reactions, direct participation remains absent—a key distinction separating these two mediums.

Immersive Experiences: Bridging Gaps Through Interaction

A standout example of bridging the gap between passive consumption and active involvement comes from "Before I Forget," a title dedicated to simulating life with dementia. Players encounter shifting environments and cryptic objects, fostering genuine bewilderment akin to living with memory loss. Such firsthand encounters amplify emotional impact far beyond mere observation.

This approach contrasts sharply with cinematic attempts at replicating similar effects, such as "The Father." Despite employing clever editing and nonlinear timelines, even award-winning performances cannot replicate the immediacy offered by interactive storytelling. When placed under player control, scenarios transform from distant narratives into lived experiences, altering perception profoundly.

Challenges of Adaptation: Balancing Knowledge and Mystery

Translating the essence of "Severance" into a playable format poses significant challenges. Central to its appeal is the dichotomy between Innies and Outies, maintaining secrecy across separate realities. Achieving this dynamic balance within a single-player experience proves problematic since participants inherently possess awareness unavailable to divided characters.

Despite these hurdles, parallels already exist within existing titles. Take "The Stanley Parable," which immerses users in an office setting ripe for exploration and rebellion against established norms. Its absurd yet poignant commentary aligns remarkably well with themes explored throughout "Severance." Creator Dan Erickson himself acknowledges drawing inspiration from this very game during development phases.

Cultural Influence: Games as Catalysts for Innovation

Beyond technical similarities, the relationship between video games and television extends into broader cultural realms. Shows like "Severance" demonstrate gaming's growing influence over mainstream media creation processes. No longer confined solely to adaptations driven by commercial viability, video games now inspire original content crafted explicitly to honor their unique contributions.

This shift signifies maturation within the industry, acknowledging games not merely as products but as legitimate artistic expressions worthy of emulation. Success stories surrounding franchises like "The Last of Us" further cement this notion, proving that quality narratives originating from digital platforms hold universal appeal transcending platform constraints.