gagdriven

Gagdriven is an informal descriptor used in media criticism and creative discussions to characterize work whose development is guided primarily by humor-focused ideas or gag sequences rather than by plot mechanics or character development.

In film and television, a gag-driven approach may prioritize running gags, sight gags, or set-piece moments, shaping scene order, pacing, and budgeting around the potential for humorous payoff. In other media such as video games or online content, it can manifest as a design philosophy that places opportunities for humor early in concept development, sometimes influencing mechanics, dialogue, and player expectations.

The term is not associated with a formal methodology and is not widely standardized. It appears mainly in casual commentary, fan discussions, and some critique essays to describe the balance between comedy and narrative aims. While gag-driven work can create strong audience appeal, it also runs the risk of tonal inconsistency or reduced focus on character growth if humor overrides story or thematic concerns.

See also gag, running gag, slapstick, comedic timing.