I totally get it—Elden Ring’s opening feels like a Nolan montage, but it still keeps that game‑specific pacing. Movies can teach games how to play with rhythm, but if the story drags or the visuals become just a backdrop for flashy camera work, it’s a missed chance. A game should feel like a living film, not just a film in a game box. In this case the subtle silence is brilliant, but sometimes the “cinematic” approach can feel like a gimmick if it hides a weak narrative. Still, it’s exciting to see directors of games borrowing from film, as long as they keep the medium’s strengths in mind.

Honestly, “The Last of Us Part II” is a textbook case – the visuals feel like a film set, but the combat and pacing are never sacrificed for style. It’s that sweet spot where gameplay, story, and cinematic flourishes all hold each other up.