Why Immersion Is Key in Franchise Storytelling

Have you ever been fully engrossed in a movie, book, or TV show, only to have something completely out of place pull you out of the story? That’s what The Disgruntled Jedi (@DisgruntJedi) is getting at in a recent tweet about suspension of disbelief in franchises.

In every franchise, there are certain elements that help viewers or readers suspend their disbelief and fully immerse themselves in the world created by the creators. Whether it’s magic, dragons, or intergalactic battles, these are the building blocks of the franchise universe. However, when something completely unrelated, like Taco Bell in a dungeon, is thrown into the mix, it can shatter that immersion.

While it might be funny or entertaining to see something as mundane as a fast food chain in a fantastical setting, it can also be jarring and take away from the overall experience. This is because it breaks the established rules of the world and reminds the audience that they are, in fact, watching or reading a work of fiction.

So, next time you’re crafting a story or world for your franchise, remember to keep the suspension of disbelief in mind. Stay true to the rules and elements you’ve established, and avoid throwing in anything that could disrupt the immersion of your audience. After all, the key to a successful franchise lies in keeping your audience fully engaged and invested in the world you’ve created.

Every franchise has these people. Suspension of disbelief is a scale. Magic and dragons are on the same side. Taco bell in the dungeon is not. It might be hilarious, but it’s also immersion breaking. https://t.co/qypbOiQE8k

— The Disgruntled Jedi | Dark Empath (@DisgruntJedi) September 4, 2024

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Have you ever found yourself fully immersed in a fantasy world, only to have that immersion shattered by something completely out of place? Every franchise has these people – the ones who just can’t seem to stay in the realm of suspension of disbelief. But what exactly is suspension of disbelief, and why is it so important in the world of storytelling? Let’s delve into this concept and explore how it can make or break a narrative.

What is suspension of disbelief? Simply put, suspension of disbelief is the willingness of an audience to overlook the implausibility of a story for the sake of enjoyment. It’s the ability to temporarily set aside our rational minds and accept the fantastical elements presented to us. For example, when we watch a movie about superheroes with extraordinary powers, we suspend our disbelief and allow ourselves to believe in the possibility of such abilities.

How does suspension of disbelief relate to storytelling? In the world of storytelling, suspension of disbelief is crucial for creating a sense of immersion for the audience. Whether it’s a book, movie, TV show, or video game, the audience needs to feel fully engaged in the world being presented to them. If something disrupts that immersion – like a glaring inconsistency or out-of-place element – it can pull the audience out of the story and diminish their enjoyment.

Where does the scale of suspension of disbelief come into play? The scale of suspension of disbelief can vary from one story to another. On one end of the scale, you have elements like magic and dragons, which are typically accepted without question in fantasy settings. These elements are so ingrained in the genre that audiences are willing to suspend their disbelief without hesitation. On the other end of the scale, you have things that are clearly out of place, like a Taco Bell in the middle of a medieval dungeon. While this might be hilarious, it’s also immersion-breaking because it doesn’t fit within the established world of the story.

Why is immersion important in storytelling? Immersion is important in storytelling because it allows the audience to fully engage with the narrative and become emotionally invested in the characters and their journey. When we’re immersed in a story, we care about what happens to the characters, we feel their triumphs and their losses, and we experience the world alongside them. Without immersion, the story loses its impact and becomes less meaningful to the audience.

How can creators maintain suspension of disbelief in their storytelling? One way creators can maintain suspension of disbelief is by establishing clear rules and boundaries within the world of their story. Whether it’s a sci-fi universe with advanced technology or a fantasy realm with magical creatures, it’s important for the world to have internal consistency. By adhering to these rules, creators can create a sense of believability that helps the audience stay immersed in the story.

In conclusion, suspension of disbelief is a delicate balance that creators must maintain in order to keep their audience fully engaged in their storytelling. By understanding the importance of immersion and the scale of suspension of disbelief, creators can craft narratives that captivate and enthrall their audience from beginning to end. So the next time you find yourself transported to a far-off fantasy world, remember to embrace the magic and dragons, but leave the Taco Bell at the dungeon entrance.