The article discusses the thought-provoking connections between the Apple TV+ series "Severance" and video games, particularly highlighting how the disorientation theme prevalent in the series aligns with gaming experiences. It argues that while "Severance" excels in creating suspenseful narratives, games often deliver a more immediate sense of immersion. The piece reflects on the limitations of adapting "Severance" into a game due to its dual-character premise, but suggests that if those challenges could be overcome, it could lead to a compelling game. It draws parallels to "The Stanley Parable," a narrative-driven game that shares similarities with "Severance" in its exploration of free will and the mundane aspects of life, noting that "Severance" creator Dan Erickson was influenced by this game during development.
How does Severance compare to video games in terms of narrative immersion?"Severance" creates a sense of suspense through storytelling and character duality, engaging the audience in discovering secrets, while video games like "The Stanley Parable" provide direct player immersion that allows for a more immediate emotional experience, thus presenting a unique contrast in narrative delivery.
"Severance" is a popular TV series that cleverly explores themes of identity and consciousness through its premise of a workplace where employees have their memories surgically divided. This separation generates a rich narrative complexity that resonates with gamers who appreciate the intricacies of character depth and story. "The Stanley Parable," released in 2013, is known for its innovative approach to storytelling, allowing players to navigate absurd scenarios that parody workplace culture, making it a significant cultural touchstone in its own right.
Alex Riverton
Alex Riverton is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. Known for their in-depth analysis and hands-on previews, Alex has built a reputation for insightful commentary on gameplay mechanics and storytelling in videogames.
Read more articles from Alex Riverton
Comments
It’s cool how *Severance* plays with player-like curiosity through its mystery-box storytelling, but games like *The Stanley Parable* flip that by making *you* the one breaking the rules. A *Severance* game could be wild if it embraced that meta, choice-driven chaos.
Severance’s slow-burn tension feels like a narrative-driven game where you’re piecing together lore, while something like The Stanley Parable throws you straight into the absurdity—both are immersive, just in different ways. Would love to see a game adaptation nail that eerie corporate dread Severance does so well, maybe with a Disco Elysium-style approach to duality.