Watch AFK

Web series and video game culture converge in the captivating YouTube series, AFK. Short for "away from keyboard" - a term familiar to gamers worldwide - AFK from 2015 embraces gaming as part of its core identity, and along the way, it provides a fresh perspective into the lives of online gamers - both in and out of the game world.

The story begins when several gamers from around the world, each engrossed in their favorite online game, suddenly find themselves teleported into their favorite gaming realms. The characters wake up within the virtual world, realizing that they have taken on the physical form of their game avatars, along with their avatars' abilities and attributes. Their enjoys are put aside quickly as they face a new challenge - surviving and finding their way back home.

One of the defining attributes of AFK is the multiple perspectives it presents. The series does not solely focus on a single player or character. Instead, it explores each character's unique circumstances and reactions to being trapped within their game worlds, providing diverse narrative threads and character arcs. Some have been transformed into warriors, others into sorcerers, while a few find themselves in more bizarre situations - for instance, playing a non-humanoid character.

Aficionados of different gaming genres, from RPGs, first-person shooters to strategy and fantasy games, will find key gaming elements cleverly incorporated into the series. The authenticity of game mechanics, such as respawning, game lingo, user interface, and gear-grinding, is preserved and forms an integral part of AFK's storytelling. This integration of virtual gaming elements into the narrative enhances the viewing experience, making the series particularly appealing to the gaming community while retaining enough accessibility to non-gamers who enjoy fantasy and adventure genres.

Indeed, while the concept of being drawn into a game is not new, AFK brings a certain realism that isn't often seen. This is reflected in the psychological and emotional struggles of the characters, who must adapt to living in a pixelated reality that is far removed from their real lives. The transition from casual gamers to living, breathing game avatars has profound repercussions, sparking intriguing explorations of identity, relationships, and power dynamics.

Stylistically, the series also stands out, effectively blending conventional filmmaking techniques with digital effects usual for the gaming industry. The production acknowledges the limitation of its budget with a skillful mix of practical and digital effects to create the various gaming worlds. Notably, the series does not rely strongly on high-end CGI but values storytelling and character development, making the watching experience engaging and captivating.

Another aspect that differentiates AFK from other series with similar concepts is its humor. Witty banter, pop-culture references, game-related puns, and slapstick comedy punctuate the dire predicaments the characters find themselves in, preventing the story from being overly grim while contributing to its charm.

While AFK may seem light-hearted, the series also introduces more complex themes such as morality in game dynamics, the philosophical question of reality, and the human condition amplified by the surreal circumstances. Here, virtual worlds are not merely a game anymore but holding real stakes and consequences, acting as a mirror to the human psyche and societal constructs.

The cast comprises relatively new faces, which contributes to the freshness of the series. Their performances are praiseworthy as they effectively depict the transitioning through initial bafflement, dread, and the determination to survive, bringing depth to the characters and thereby further captivating the audience.

In conclusion, AFK from 2015 is a series that cleverly blends elements of virtual gaming reality, adventure, and humor. It offers an immersive experience for viewers, gamers or not, and provides an exciting, thrilling journey into the realm where reality and digital life collide. Whether you appreciate the challenges and camaraderie of online gaming or enjoy unique, character-driven narratives, AFK is worth a watch.

AFK is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (17 episodes). The series first aired on October 28, 2015.