The Ascendancy of Video Games: Can They Eclipse Literary Works?

Abstract

This theoretical article investigates the factors contributing to the rise of video games and the potential for their eventual supremacy over literature. The study aims to determine the likelihood of video games supplanting literature in narrative expression and explore the possibility of future hybrid storytelling forms that redefine the boundaries of these creative domains. A meticulous examination of the extensive research on the intersection of video games and literature is undertaken, dissecting their complex interrelationships, mutual impacts, and shared evolution while maintaining scholarly rigor and curiosity. Video game narratives often drawn from literary predecessors, have become increasingly complex and engaging, contributing to the medium's growth. By incorporating literary techniques, and non-linear storytelling methods inspired by postmodernism and metafiction, video games challenge players to construct meaning actively. Emotional resonance is enhanced through character development, evocative prose, and carefully crafted dialogue. Technological advancements have also played a crucial role in video games' evolution and rising popularity. Video games offer immersive, interactive experiences, diverging from traditional literature by actively empowering players to shape the narrative and storyline. In contrast, literature relies on the reader's imagination and interpretation. The ongoing interplay between video games,  literature, and emerging media forms such as virtual reality will likely shape the future of storytelling. As technology and global connectivity converge,  integrating literary techniques and interactive elements across these mediums will continue to evolve, resulting in innovative hybrid entertainment forms that leverage the strengths of literature and video games. The ongoing interplay between video games,  literature, and emerging media forms such as virtual reality will likely shape the future of storytelling.