What’s an FMV Game?

The letters are easy enough to explain.

FMV is short for “Full Motion Video.”

Inzoi character in front of an area where people are on a bench and people buying stuff.

In other words, it’s digital video in a game, usually featuring live action characters.

For me, it was a huge thing.

FMV games were present in the arcades long before home computers.

Anbernic-Handheld-Gameboy-Emulator

Although animated, 1983’sDragon’s Lairstill used full motion video, as did a few other titles.

Some were just traditional games that had FMV cutscenes, such asDune 2000.

Others were barely games at all, but a linear interactive story.

A retro computer with the game Phantasmagoria on the screen.

Lucas Gouveia / How-To Geek | solarseven /Shuttterstock

Basically the originalwalking simulators.

There’s something about the approach and production values that set these games apart.

Also, if you enjoy the game, it’s only the first of a trilogy.

Journey Man Project showing FMV footage of in-game character

Presto Studios

This was basicallyUntil Dawnlong before the real-time 3D technology existed to make it happen.

That said, this is another genuinely good example of FMV games.

There was an iPad version, but sadly it no longer works on modern iPadOS versions.

Phantasmagoria 2 showing a scene wth the main character and his girlfriend standing in a computer room.

Sierra / Activision

I bought these games on Steam, and under Windows they still work just fine.

Sadly, there’s no working Mac version unless you’re running something older than macOS Catalina.

Not For Broadcastis mechanically similar to Night Trap, but with a totally different premise.

Night Trap scene where three thugs conftony a woman in the bathroom.

Screaming Villains / Digital Pictures

Screenshot from Corpse Killer showing zombie targets rushing the player

Screaming Villains

Sherlock Holmes speaking ot Watson in front of his fireplace.

Zojoi