Materialities of the Mise-en-Game: Playing with Cineludic Forms

The concept of mise-en-game serves as a critical framework for understanding the intersection of cinematic mise-en-scène and ludic structures, challenging the notion that digital media has rendered analog artifacts obsolete. By examining the transmedia relationship between film and gaming, this analysis demonstrates that physical gaming forms—ranging from arcade cabinets and board games to theme parks and augmented reality experiences—provide essential haptic dimensions to cinematic storytelling. These material artifacts do not merely replicate film narratives; they extend them, allowing audiences to transition from passive spectators to active participants in the construction of fictional worlds.

The scope of this inquiry spans the evolution of popular culture, tracing the remediation of cinematic tropes across both physical and virtual environments. Through case studies such as Jaws and Tron, the research highlights how genre-based storytelling is reconfigured into interactive, material experiences. Whether through the tactile engagement of an arcade cabinet or the immersive world-building of a live-action role-playing game, these hybrid media forms bridge the traditional divide between high art and popular entertainment.

Ultimately, the integration of mechanics and physical artifacts transforms cinematic boundaries, fostering a dynamic environment where narrative frameworks are continuously expanded by the player. This shift toward participatory world-building suggests that the future of media lies in the convergence of cinematic aesthetics and ludic engagement. By prioritizing the materiality of the gaming experience, creators can offer deeper, more immersive connections to established narrative universes, ensuring that the legacy of cinematic storytelling remains vibrant and relevant within an increasingly interactive cultural landscape.