Seriality in Video Games

This essay examines video games as an inherently serialised medium, exploring how seriality has evolved from simple repetition towards complex narrative and interactive frameworks. Tracing serial logic from the early development of video games, such as Magnavox’s Odyssey and Spacewar! , it highlights how foundational genres emerged by appropriating narrative elements from established media like science fiction and fantasy. The discussion extends to contemporary serialisation practices, including episodic structures, microtransactions, and Games as a Service (GaaS), illustrating how these commercial strategies foster player engagement and community formation. Ultimately, the essay argues that seriality enables personalised, adaptive gaming experiences, positioning players as active co-creators within persistent, ever-evolving digital worlds.