Narrative Design Lessons from Film and Television

13 January 2026

When it comes to crafting unforgettable stories in video games, there's a ton we can learn from film and television. These two mediums have spent over a century perfecting the art of storytelling—so why not borrow some of their best tricks?

Game narratives have come a long way from the “save the princess” days. Players now expect emotional depth, rich character arcs, and a compelling plot that keeps them glued to their controller. That’s exactly what film and TV have been doing right for ages.

So today, let’s break down some big narrative design lessons we can snatch straight from the silver screen and binge-worthy shows—and how you can apply them to game writing.

Why Narrative Matters in Games

Before jumping in, let’s hit the brakes for a second. Why should devs and designers obsess over narrative anyway?

Well, ask yourself: what makes you remember games like The Last of Us, Red Dead Redemption 2, or Life is Strange?

Sure, the gameplay mechanics are solid, but let’s be real—it’s the story that sticks. The characters. The world. The tension. The tears. That deep emotional connection is forged through storytelling.

Narrative gives gameplay context. It hooks players emotionally and transforms what would be a hollow grind into an epic journey.

Lesson #1: Show, Don’t Tell

One of the oldest rules in screenwriting is: “Show, don’t tell.” And guess what? It works like magic in games too.

In Film:

Think about when a character in a movie slams a door and storms out. You don’t need a voice-over to explain they’re mad—you just know.

In Games:

The same concept applies. Instead of dumping exposition in dialogue, let the world speak. Environmental storytelling is pure gold here.

📌 Example: In Bioshock, the ruined Rapture tells its own story. No long cutscenes needed to explain what happened—the blood on the walls and flickering signs do that job better than a script ever could.

Takeaway:

Use subtle cues. Let your setting, animations, and even sound design do the heavy lifting. Trust your players—they’re smarter than you think.

Lesson #2: Character Arcs Are Everything

TV shows especially knock this one out of the park. Why? Because they have time—episodes on episodes—to show a character grow, change, fall, and rise.

In Film/TV:

Walter White’s transition from meek chemistry teacher to criminal mastermind didn’t happen overnight—it was a slowburn that paid off in Breaking Bad.

In Games:

Gamers want dynamic characters too. Whether it’s a protagonist who gets hardened by the apocalypse or a companion who finds redemption, arcs matter.

📌 Example: God of War (2018) is a masterclass. Kratos evolves from angry god to a quiet father trying (and often failing) to connect with his son. You feel that shift, and that’s what makes it powerful.

Takeaway:

Design your characters with a trajectory. Don’t just slap some traits on them—think about where they start and where they end. Make them change.

Lesson #3: Pacing Is a Secret Weapon

Pacing is the rhythm of your story—how fast or slow things move. It’s easy to overlook, but it can make or break the entire game experience.

In Film/TV:

Ever zoned out during a movie because it dragged or got whiplash from a pace that moved too fast? Neither is fun.

In Games:

Same deal! Your story needs breathing room. Mix high-tension sequences with quiet, reflective moments.

📌 Example: The Last of Us Part II nails pacing. After an intense combat section, the game often slows things down—letting you explore, talk, or just soak in a sunset. That contrast makes every moment land harder.

Takeaway:

Balance action and downtime. Plot and character development aren’t enemies—they’re dance partners.

Lesson #4: Dialogue Drives Depth

Think about your favorite show. Odds are, the dialogue plays a huge role in why you love it. Witty banter, heartfelt confessions, awkward silences—it all counts.

In Film/TV:

Writers labor over every line. Good dialogue reveals character, pushes the plot forward, or just makes you laugh.

In Games:

Cheesy, robotic dialogue is a quick way to lose immersion. But when it’s done right? It’s a game-changer.

📌 Example: Mass Effect is known for its deep dialogue trees. What you say actually matters. And it feels personal—because it is.

Takeaway:

Don’t phone it in. Use dialogue to reveal personality, create tension, and give players agency. And please—make it sound human.

Lesson #5: Conflict Is the Heart of Story

You can’t have a story without conflict. That’s Storytelling 101.

In Film/TV:

Every episode or scene has at least one source of tension—whether it’s a ticking time bomb or a quiet family feud.

In Games:

Beyond combat, games can (and should) explore emotional, moral, and internal conflicts.

📌 Example: In Detroit: Become Human, the central conflict isn’t just physical—it’s philosophical. You're constantly making tough choices that challenge your beliefs.

Takeaway:

Give characters and players something to struggle with. Stakes don’t always have to be life or death—but they do need to matter.

Lesson #6: Visual Storytelling Creates Impact

Film is a visual medium. Every frame is a painting. Composition, lighting, color—all of it tells a story.

In Film/TV:

Think of Blade Runner 2049. You remember the neon haze, the emptiness, the silhouettes. It’s unforgettable because the visuals told their own tale.

In Games:

You have an interactive visual medium. Use it! Set design, UI, camera angles—they’re all part of the story.

📌 Example: Inside by Playdead tells an entire narrative with zero dialogue. All you have are visuals—and that's all you need.

Takeaway:

Treat every game environment like a film set. Ask yourself: what does this look say about the world? About the character?

Lesson #7: Theme Is the Glue

What’s your game really about? What’s the big idea behind it all?

Great films and shows often revolve around a central theme: identity, revenge, love, sacrifice. And they weave it into every part of the narrative.

In Film/TV:

The Matrix isn’t just about dodging bullets. It’s about questioning reality and the search for truth.

In Games:

Themes help keep your story focused. They give players something to chew on long after the credits roll.

📌 Example: Spec Ops: The Line takes a hard look at the cost of war. It subverts military shooter tropes to haunt you with its message—and that’s the point.

Takeaway:

Identify your theme early. Use it to guide your dialogue, plot, visuals, and gameplay.

Lesson #8: Player Agency vs. Authored Story

Here’s where games get spicy. Unlike film/TV, games are interactive. That means you’ve got to juggle control and storytelling.

Too much control? The story gets messy and incoherent. Too little? The player feels like a passive observer.

In Film/TV:

The audience is strapped in for the ride. They can’t change what happens.

In Games:

Players want to feel like they’re in the driver’s seat—even if they’re not steering the whole plot.

📌 Example: Firewatch gives you dialogue choices that don’t drastically change the story, but they shape your relationship with another character. That’s agency done right.

Takeaway:

Offer meaningful choices. Even small decisions can go a long way in making players feel involved.

Lesson #9: Respect the Medium

Not every film/TV storytelling method fits neatly into games, and that’s okay. You’re working with a different toolset—use it wisely.

Don’t force a 3-hour cinematic on gamers who just want to play. Instead, find creative ways to blend gameplay and narrative.

📌 Example: In Metal Gear Solid, some players joke about the lengthy cutscenes—but Kojima still integrates interactivity and choice in clever ways to keep you invested.

Takeaway:

Play to your strengths. Integrate story into gameplay smoothly, not as an afterthought or bolt-on.

Conclusion: Blaze Your Own Trail

Film and television have paved the way with powerful storytelling techniques—but games are doing something special. They let the audience play the story.

So study those cinema tricks. Steal the good stuff. But remember, games are their own beast. Blend narrative with gameplay, and give your players a story they’ll never forget.

Because at the end of the day, a great video game isn't just played—it’s lived.