Abstract

Background: With the advancements in digital technology, Chinese fantasy films are developing rapidly. This study analyzed over 200 Chinese fantasy-themed films released online or in theaters from September 25, 2008, to July 20, 2023. The results show that the average audience score for such films is about 5.49 (Rating data comes from Douban). The narrative of Chinese fantasy films has fallen into trouble, gradually becoming a constraint for producing this genre. Purpose: The narrative model of Chinese fantasy films is the core of this type of film, representing East’s openness to the oldest historical and cultural characteristics. Therefore, studying Chinese fantasy film narratives that integrate video games can better promote these films. It can expand the new direction of Chinese fantasy film narratives from immersion, cross-media, and expansibility perspectives. Methods: Analyze and study Chinese fantasy films' narrative problems and advantages and integrate narrative modes with similar film narrative modes (video game fusion films). In the first stage, through literature research, this article analyzes the development status of narratives in Chinese fantasy films and the narrative mode of film and game fusion from a general direction. In the second stage, through case analysis, it elaborates on the shortcomings in Chinese fantasy film narratives. In the third stage, comparative research analyzed the feasibility of innovative development of Chinese fantasy film narratives by focusing on the narrative method of film and game fusion. Results: This article systematically proposes that Chinese fantasy film narratives should be centered on film-game fusion narratives. Also, these narratives require improvement in immersion, cross-media, and story expansion perspectives. Conclusion: The following conclusions are drawn: 1) Enrich the interactivity of narratives and use the gamified narrative elements to increase audience stickiness; 2) Use cross-media to express stories, expand multiple story worlds, and focus on media narrative; 3) Build a narrative ecosystem. Emphasize the correlation between mutual narratives and shape the narrative world of Chinese fantasy films.