Discussion Main / RailRoading

Probably not an example — the train is not forcing the player through a plot, the analogy is a bit forced. There may well be better examples in the game series but the specific details aren't given so I'm moving this one to discussion.

• Half Life series: Although Video Game examples of this generally go on No Sidepaths, No Exploration, No Freedom or But Thou Must!, and its sequels deserve special mention here because nearly every game in the series starts out on a train.

Probably not an example. As a form, Impro depends on broadly telegraphing ideas to advance the plot between actors as a matter of necessity. They are unlikely to consider it railroading as it's defined here. Bob Franklin's reaction makes more sense in that context.

• Thank God Youre Here can fall victim to this, especially when one of the more comedic contestants starts a rant or starts digging themselves into a hole. It sometimes results in the ensemble cast (who attempt to steer the scene) into completely ignoring the last few things said.
  • This is a common necessity in acting exercises using improv, especially if most participants are amateurs (and yes, I know that's not a flattering implication to these contestants.)
  • Amusingly, Bob Franklin has at least twice complimented the railroaders for doing so.