embeddedversies

Embeddedversies are self-contained fictional universes embedded within a larger work. Each embeddedverse has its own internal logic, geography, history, and population of characters. The connection to the host work can be explicit or subtle, and the embeddedverse is typically presented through nested narratives, in-world documents, or media within the story.

The term is used by critics and fans to describe nested or transfictional world-building. It gained attention as authors began mixing media and experimenting with metafiction, cross-referencing fictional worlds within a book, game, or film.

Common features include canonical boundaries, cross-references, and a reader’s sense of discovery. Some embeddedversies are fully self-contained, while others echo or challenge the host world’s rules. Access may be limited to certain characters or moments in the plot, and some embeddedversies function as commentary on storytelling itself.

Examples include a novel where a fictional encyclopedia within the text details an alternate universe, or a film that presents an in-film documentary about another world, or a game narrative embedded within a story. In transmedia projects, an embeddedverse can extend into separate media with its own lore.

See also: nested narrative, metafiction, worldbuilding, spin-off, transmedia storytelling.