In regard to film structure, narrative and plot points work together to extend the timeline of the story. Standard 3 Act storylines can be developed into sequels and trilogies. George Lucas' Star Wars (1977) saga is an example of extended scriptwriting; the first three acts occur in the fourth film, according to the fictional chronology of the series.
The following two films fill in the middle parts, becoming the second trilogy. Then we move back in time to the first part, which has it’s own three-act structure and another two prequels. There is potential for a third trilogy, making nine films in all – this adds up to 27 'dramatic' acts.
The scope, or franchise potential, for all of this material is boundless.
Drawing a timeline or flowchart of character intersections in the Star Wars narrative barbell would take a lot of wall space. What about fifty years and eight James Bonds in over twenty 007 films?
In computer gaming, storylines are not restricted in any way - its ultimate expression is the 'sandbox' format of gameplay, where the user is embedded as a customized character within a real-time 3D environment (Oblivion, Grand Theft Auto, Mass Effect), ineracting with animals, experiencing day and night and changes in weather conditions. The user can literally sit and smell the flowers or shoot their way out of a bank.
May the Force be with you.
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