The Theme Park Version of Video Games: How Screenwriters Are Still Stuck in the Past

As the video game industry continues to evolve and grow, it's surprising to see how many screenwriters are still stuck in the past when it comes to portraying games on TV and film. The trope of depicting video games as simplistic arcade-style experiences has been around for decades, but it's only now starting to show signs of becoming a Discredited Trope.

For writers who entered the industry during the early 2000s, their memories of playing Pac-Man or Donkey Kong on the NES are still fresh in their minds. As a result, they've continued to write these retro-style games into TV shows and films long after video games had moved on to more sophisticated gameplay and storytelling.

This phenomenon can be attributed to Two Decades Behind, as screenwriters have failed to keep up with the rapid evolution of the gaming industry. Instead of exploring more complex storylines or character development, they've stuck to familiar tropes like 'save the galaxy from aliens' and simplistic gameplay mechanics that involve mashing buttons and flailing wildly on the control stick.

The characters in these shows often seem out-of-touch when it comes to video games, talking about beating levels or getting high scores as if they're still playing in an arcade. The sound effects are also a giveaway, with bleeping Arcade Sounds dominating the soundtrack.

One notable example of this phenomenon is Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones, which was inspired by the 1982 novelty single and album 'Pac-Man Fever' by Buckner & Garcia. This game's portrayal of video games as simplistic and retro-style is a perfect representation of how screenwriters have been stuck in the past.

However, it's not all bad news. While TV shows like Jackass Shark Week may still be clinging to outdated gaming tropes, they're also bringing in celebrity guests and trying new things. And who knows, maybe one day we'll see more sophisticated portrayals of video games on screen. Until then, fans of the industry will have to keep dreaming of a future where gaming is taken seriously.

Buckner and garcia pac man fever