Game design is a complex, yet fascinating process. There are many elements to consider including the game mechanics as well as the theme. However, when concentrating on the theme alone a lot of work needs to be done. This is because the theme for an online game has to be enticing, encouraging the player to play the game.
What’s in a theme?
The theme is what we call the actual story of the game. It’s the main idea that helps shape the rest of the gaming experience. This theme, done well, will immerse the player into the game, providing the narrative that will carry the game forward. It’s essential this is properly established as players need to operate the gameplay in a specific context so that they can respond with the appropriate moves.
When creators are considering game themes, their focus is always on how the story can be crafted. The theme must have importance within the game, especially if there is a strong narrative to guide the player through the game. Essentially, there must be an emotional connection as well as the motivation to actually play the game. The latter is all about ensuring that the player has a reason to perform certain actions within the game that will subsequently push the story along. Depending on the game it can be anything from solving a mystery or saving a city, to more simple actions such as choosing between two directions to travel in.
However, while a thematic approach to game design has many benefits, there are some downsides. With theme-first, game mechanics and the alignment within the game maybe more forced or disconnected.
Themed games
All video games have a theme of some kind. It just depends on the type of game as to how far this actually goes. Many of the major online video games such as those available on consoles, or as role playing games, have strong themes that create a distinct game environment.
Last of Us
This game revolves around a post-apocalyptic theme. This is one of the more popular types of themes out there and shows the characters trying to struggle with survival and loss. It has a dark narrative that appeals to a wide audience as they join the characters in their fight to survive. The clear theme also allows players a more immersive experience, plus they can use the storyline to inform the moves their characters should make. As there are repercussions to the different actions, high stakes are involved and the story can change from moment to moment. On top of that, it adds an emotional element which helps keep the players coming back to continue the story.
Assassin’s Creed
Similarly, Assassin’s Creed also has very strong storytelling in place. Just like Last of Us, a strong emphasis on the visuals is paramount to the immersion aspect and success of the game. With a more historical theme, rather than an apocalyptic one, players are immersed in historical events, able to explore and interact with the environment. Better still, when in the Renaissance Italy location or exploring Ancient Egypt, players are also able to learn about the time period. Stories are unravelled throughout these parts of the game, along with discovering conspiracies and having an all round adventure.
Vikings Go Bezerk
To a lesser degree, but no less important scale, casino games commonly found on UK slot sites also work themes into their games. The popular, Vikings Go Bezerk from Yggdrasil is an excellent representation of this. This game goes above and beyond the usual thematic tone of a slot game. Typically, when slot games use a theme, it’s very much a surface-level thing. This game has characters, and symbol designs based on the theme, potentially with some additional music meeting the theme too. But that’s where it all ends. There’s no real story involved. With Vikings Go Bezerk, this is not the case. Much thought has been put into the overall story behind the game as well. Additionally, the characters are more fleshed out, with detailed 3D animated characters, short cut-scenes, and many different in-game bonuses and mechanics that help to tell the story and push the game along. As such, this is one of the more immersive slot games out there.