Full Motion Video games (FMV) feel like watching and playing a choose-your-own-adventure film (and if you haven’t heard of them before, that’s okay! We go over everything below).
They sort of had their heyday in the ‘90s, they’ve been quietly coming back, thanks to indie developers and improved video technology. In this article, we’ll break down what FMV games are, trace their evolution, give you a few modern recs you can play right now, and explore why they’re still worth playing today.
What Are FMV Games?
FMV (Full Motion Video) games are a genre of video games that use pre-recorded video footage — often with real actors and sets — to present the game’s narrative and gameplay. Instead of controlling a 3D-rendered character in a virtual world, you’re often watching filmed scenes and interacting by making choices at key moments.
Think of it as an interactive movie. Your choices can influence the outcome, change scenes, or even determine who lives or dies. Some FMV games offer branching narratives with multiple endings, while others stick to more linear storytelling with occasional input from the player.
Don’t expect combat or anything explosive — FMV games are more about the story and your choices. Not to say that they aren’t stressful as well (if you ever played Detroit: Become Human, you’d know), it’s just that the stress is more… psychological?
What makes FMV unique?
FMV games are the closest thing gaming has to interactive cinema; it turns the player into both the audience and the director.
One of the genre’s biggest strengths is immersion. With real actors delivering performances, it’s much easier to connect with the characters. And if you ever wanted to make changes to the endings of the movies you watch, here’s your opportunity.
Plus, they’re the best if you’re not hardcore into gaming or want something relaxing — it’s a gamified version of watching a movie.
A Brief History of FMV Games
FMV games exploded onto the scene in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, fueled by the then-revolutionary technology of LaserDiscs and CD-ROMs. These formats allowed for large amounts of video to be stored and played — a game-changer for developers wanting to inject realism into their games.
Early pioneers like Dragon’s Lair (1983) used animated sequences, while titles like Night Trap and Sewer Shark (both 1992) on the Sega CD leaned heavily into live-action footage. These games were flashy and ambitious — and often campy as hell — but they were limited by clunky controls, low-resolution video, and rudimentary interactivity.
Phantasmagoria is a horror game that attempted a lot and was a technical marvel of its time. It’s very campy, slightly outdated, but you can still play it.
By the late ‘90s, full motion video games faded from the spotlight. Gamers wanted more control, and better 3D graphics were starting to offer cinematic experiences without the limitations of video playback.
But the story didn’t end there.
Fast forward to the 2010s, and FMV began creeping back into the limelight, this time with better video quality, more nuanced storytelling, and a fresh indie spirit. Games like Her Story (2015) and Late Shift (2017) proved that FMV wasn’t dead — it had evolved.
The Best FMV Games
Late Shift
Late Shift is an interactive heist thriller that allows your choices to shape the entire story. It feels very much like a movie, especially since there are real actors and the writing is done by Sherlock Holmes screenwriter Michael R. Johnson. And yet, you get to say where it all goes and how it ends.
Late Shift is set in London, which really makes all of it better. You have to make choices quickly or the game will move on.
Immortality
You’ll start to see a pattern here, but a lot of full motion video games are mysteries or thrillers of some sort (and it works, I’m not complaining). This one is a Hollywood mystery where you try to find an actress who starred in three movies that never released and she’s now vanished.
Your job is to watch that footage and find out why she’s gone and where she is.
The Complex
The Complex is a sci-fi sort of mystery, sort of drama that puts you in a locked-down lab with a dangerous pathogen and many secrets to discover (and moral dilemmas to have).
Of course, your decisions shape to story and there are eight possible endings you could get.
Erica
And here’s another thriller (are you not thrilled?). In this one, you play as Erica Mason, a woman whose father’s mysterious death sets off a chain of creepy events involving cults, family secrets, and way too many unsettling clues.
There are multiple endings to this story and it’s very suspenseful.
Telling Lies
This is a mystery where you’re meant to piece together a story of four people by searching for keywords which will give you new videos. So, if you like snooping around and gossiping, give this one a try.
Telling Lies has a great cast of actors and it feels super tense. This one requires a bit more investment from you (mentally, at least), but it’s worth it.
As Dusk Falls
As Dusk Falls is a drama that begins with a robbery gone wrong in a small Arizona town. After that, you play/watch the family through three decades of all sorts of, well, drama.
This one is a bit more emotional, and perhaps a tiny bit disappointing in its ending, but hey — try it and see where your choices lead you.
Twelve Minutes
This one is a puzzle with a fantastic cast. No, seriously — James McAvoy, Daisy Ridley, Willem Dafoe. You are stuck in a 12 minute loop over and over again and you’re meant to solve why your in-game wife is accused of murder. But you only have those 12 minutes at a time before everything resets.
The time loop is a bit annoying, I’ll be honest — it gets boring after a while, but the story is worth it for sure. Try whatever you want in those 12 minutes, see what happens.
Honorable Mentions (Fun Full Motion Video Games/Interactive Movies to Try)
These games and interactive movies might not be winning any awards for serious storytelling, but that’s exactly what makes them so much fun. They’re cheesy, silly, and packed with over-the-top drama, perfect for when you want to kick back, relax, and enjoy some lighthearted entertainment. If you’re not looking for anything too deep and just want to have a good time with outrageous plots and questionable decisions, these titles will definitely do the trick.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs the Reverend
This is a quirky little adventure where you control Kimmy’s choices.
Death Come True
Death Come True is a little mind bending, but it’s a mystery with a bit of sci-fi.
Choose Love
And if you’re tired of all these mysteries and thrillers, here’s a little romantic FMV game/interactive movie for you.
How to Get the Best Experience Out of FMV Games
FMV games aren’t just about watching a movie and tapping a button—they’re an experience. To really get the most out of these games, you need to immerse yourself in the story and make thoughtful choices. Here are some tips to get you in the zone:
- Get Comfortable: FMV games are often cinematic, and you want to be as comfortable as possible. Grab some snacks, cozy up with a blanket, and set the mood with dim lighting to really dive into the narrative.
- Pay Attention to Details: A lot of FMV games rely on subtle clues and character interactions to make the story unfold. You don’t want to miss important details that might affect your decisions later. Focus on the dialogue, the body language of the characters, and the setting. Everything matters.
- Don’t Rush: If you’re playing a game with branching storylines (like Her Story or Late Shift), take your time. Go down different paths, make the wrong decisions, and see how things unfold. The beauty of FMV games is that they let you explore multiple outcomes, so don’t feel like you need to hurry through them.
- Invite Friends Along: If you’re playing a game like The Complex or Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, having friends around can really enhance the experience. Make decisions together and see how different choices play out.
- Adjust Your Expectations: FMV games aren’t all about fast-paced action or mind-blowing graphics. They’re about the story and how you interact with it. So, lower your expectations for traditional gaming mechanics and embrace the cheesy, narrative-driven experience.
Full Motion Video Games: FAQs
I mean, all of the games on this list are great and not that hard to play, but I recommend Late Shift or Erica. These are both very entertaining and will pull you in with the mystery.
The Complex is a really good choice for groups, but also Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend which is a blast if you want something funny.
FMV stands for Full Motion Video. In gaming, it refers to titles that use pre-recorded video footage (usually with live actors) as a key part of the gameplay experience.
Absolutely. In fact, there’s been a resurgence thanks to indie developers. Titles like Her Story, Late Shift, The Complex, and Five Dates have proven that there’s still plenty of life in the genre.
Sort of — but better. You’re not just watching; you’re influencing. Your choices can change how scenes play out, what characters reveal, and how the story ends. It’s a movie where you’re the director.
Yes! All of the FMV games on this list are available on Steam, consoles, and mobile devices. Some even appear on streaming platforms like Netflix in an interactive format.