Post
Skip the boring setup -- drop the player straight into the chaos and explain later.
In medias res (Latin for 'in the middle of things') throws players into an intense moment before backtracking to explain how they got there. It's a pacing tool that solves gaming's biggest opening problem: tutorials are boring, but players need context. By starting with a dramatic action sequence, the game hooks you emotionally first and fills in backstory once you're already invested. The trick is balancing spectacle with clarity -- the player needs to feel thrilled, not confused.
Example
God of War (2018) opens with Kratos already living a quiet life with his son, only gradually revealing his violent past through layered flashbacks and character dialogue. Uncharted 2 famously opens with Drake dangling from a wrecked train on a cliff before rewinding to show how he got there.
Why it matters
First impressions are everything in games. In medias res solves the cold-start problem by frontloading excitement and earning the player's patience for slower exposition that follows. A great opening can be the difference between a player staying or bouncing.
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