Released Tuesday, “Resident Evil: Revelations 2 Episode 1” presents a new experiment for the long-running survival horror series. Rather than release the complete game, “Revelations 2” will be split up and released in four two-to-three hour episodes over the next four weeks.

Episodic gaming is becoming increasingly commonplace as an alternative to the traditional AAA games.

Borrowing heavily from the concept of television shows, episodic gaming offers quick bursts of entertainment over a period of weeks and months. The episodes often end in a cliffhanger, meant to string along the player.

Episodic gaming usually has between four to five episodes that culminate in a “season finale.” Season finales often wrap the current storylines and hint at 
future seasons.

Developer TellTale has often been a pioneer for episodic gaming with releases like “The Walking Dead” and “Game of Thrones.” TellTale’s episodic content often offers interactive experiences that blend the line between video games and films. Having received popularity and 
critical acclaim, developers like TellTale offer an example for other developers.

There are limits to episodic games. Some games are meant to be experienced in one sitting, like movies. Other video games such as open-world or multiplayer shooters would be impossible in the episodic format. Episodic video games are reserved for focused narrative experiences that captivate 
the player.

The game offers the chance to experience survival horror and boss battles on a micro level. It remains to be seen whether “Revelations 2” will succeed or fail. Episodic gaming will continue to be part of the gaming industry, offering shorter experiences and more personal moments to players.

With developers like TellTale and other developers experimenting with medium, gaming continues to evolve and offer new exciting experiences.