Game World

Game World Report

A game world is the computer generated simulation of a universe, in which the game is set. A game world could be based on a place that exists in real life or it could be a complete work of fiction. For example, a racing game such as F1 2014 is set in Formula 1 racing tracks. In this game, users can use different racing tracks within the game which resemble real life racing tracks. However, some games such as Grand Theft Auto V only have 1 game world in which to play the game in. GTA 5 is set in a modern city and its surrounding countryside. Games like this usually have a wider game world where the player can have more freedom. Different games will use completely different game worlds. This is because it is important that you use the right game world for the game you are making. Imagine playing Formula 1 inside a football stadium. That wouldn’t make sense at all since the stadium is far too small for racing. This is why it is really important that the game world is on point since it basically makes the game itself. Having the right game world is beneficial because it sets the right feeling and mood into the player and they become consumed by the game almost because they are so addicted to it. During the past decade or so, game world graphics have been immensely improving in quality. Part of the reason why is the evolution of technology (consoles and PCs), which can now support higher and better quality graphics. As you can see from the pictures below, there is a massive difference in graphics quality between Formula One 2002 and Formula One 2014. This is how games have evolved during these 12 years and we can clearly see that games being released now have a more realistic feel to them, which make the game become more fun.

Terrain

Terrain refers to the surface and physical features of the game world and the ground that makes up the game world. There are many types of terrain that are used in different games such as grass, sand and concrete. Terrain doesn’t necessarily affect the game play since it is just the surface in which the game is played on but it is important to have the right terrain for that specific game world. Many video games have more than one type of terrain. This is because terrain can change depending on where you are in the game world. For example, in GTA 5 where the game world is massive the terrain is constantly changing. In the country side, it is composed of sand and some rocks, whereas in the city it is mostly concrete roads. Some games like Fifa only have one type of terrain. This is because the purpose of this game is to play football, which is played on grass in a football stadium so there is no reason at all to change the terrain of the game. From this we can tell that action and adventure games will mostly have more than just one type of terrain to make the game more interesting, whereas sports games such as football and basketball will usually have just one type of terrain. 

Architecture

Architecture refers to all the structures, buildings and statues that are in the game world. Different games will use different architecture to fit their game world. For example, in Halo the architecture is more futuristic and advanced since the game is set in the future, whereas in Assassins Creed the buildings are mostly made of wood and rock. However, architecture can also vary in open world games such as GTA. This is because the big buildings and structures are focused on the city and not so much structures are on the country side. Video games are commonly built and created with architecture since it allows the game to look more realistic. This is important for the game designer because having good architecture boost the games quality which leads to the game being really popular. Reason for this is that gamers constantly look for games that look almost real and with high quality graphics because they become more immersed in them. Architecture has improved massively during the last decade. As you can see from the pictures below, the buildings look more realistic with better shading, better colours and better outlines.

Objects

Objects in video games are the small and little things that increase the realistic feel of the game. These are objects that are either used by the character, used by NPCs or objects that are just there to help the game become more lifelike. Examples of objects in video games are chairs, weapons, TVs and even cars. Objects are generally used in video games to enhance the experience of the player as it gives it a realistic feel. They are also used to give more life to the game to provide a better experience for the player. It is important that video games are of high quality because it all makes the game look more realistic. Good looking objects could also boost the games popularity. For example, if a gun looks amazing in Call of Duty, many more gamers would like to try that gun out for themselves. In Call of Duty, people can also choose how their gun looks like and they could design it to put their own style to the gun. Objects such as plastic bags flying around a battlefield are really important because it shows that real feel that the game has. Furthermore, objects have improved greatly over the years. An example of this could be in action games, where if you kill an enemy you can go and pick up the enemies weapons and grenades to resupply. This is more enjoyable as you can try things out in the game even if you cannot specifically choose that gun before starting the mission.