How To Make Worlds Feel Alive

Hey there, Gamers and Game Makers!

This week, we're going to take a look at how you can make the world your game is set in feel more alive and real. Think of some of the most interesting game worlds you've played in. The likes of Skyrim for one is a great example of a world that truly feels alive and rich with a history of its own. So, how do Bethesda do this? Well, it comes down to a number of things. Great world building a level design make the world look great but what is it aside from all the pretty effects and animations that make a games world feel real? The answer is, give it a history.

A games world should feel like it's more than just a placeholder for the events revolving around the player. It should feel like there's been a rich history of events and lore leading right up to the moment you enter the world and begin your story. And it should feel as if there are other stories to this world outside of the events of the payers.

When designing levels or world spaces, think about what you are adding. When you're adding an old ruin or if you're creating in game books, think about what happened here or the history this world would have. Our own world is shaped by our past and our game worlds should be no different. If you want to create a game world that truly feels alive, keep in mind it's history and events outside of the players own story. It should have layers, it should have conflict and it should feel like it was not designed but rather shaped by events over a course of a very rich history.

If you keep this in mind when designing the world of your game, you'll create one that not only feels more real and interesting but it'll also be far more immersive to the player.

​until next time!