Video Games and Architecture

The architecture of a video game is an integral element of the experience. It can either serve as the backdrop for the plot or spark it completely. Whether it's an immersive fantasy world or simply 2D blocks, the architecture shapes both the narrative and players' emotional responses.

Games offer architects an invaluable opportunity to gain a new perspective on the design process. Many of these games are tailored with specific audiences in mind and therefore contain specific rules, making the experience more captivating and keeping players on their toes.

Monument Valley is a minimalistic game that challenges players to construct Islamic minarets and Scottish castles. It provides great inspiration for those interested in modern architecture and deconstructivism.

Euclidean Lands is a game where players construct cities and towns from scratch. Not only does this allow you to design your city from the ground up, but it also teaches you how to plan for the future and make wise decisions when building society.

This game not only provides a fun and relaxing way to pass time, but it also encourages you to think of ways to improve the city in which you reside. It teaches you how to manage resources efficiently and ensure everyone's needs are met.

The 7 Wonders: Architects Board Game offers an educational experience for players of all ages to appreciate architecture's history and how it can inspire their own designs. It's a strategic game where players attempt to complete seven of the world's greatest architectural wonders and earn victory points along the way.

You+Pea Studio, led by Bartlett School of Architecture Co-Director Lukas Caspar Pearson, believes the connection between video games and architecture is one of the most exciting and innovative in its field. As more video game designers gain expertise in architecture, the line between them will become even thinner.

Video games often employ lighting and player circulation routes to create the ideal atmosphere for a scene. This can be done to contrast dark and spooky experiences or even balance it out with bright and sunny spaces that feel more optimistic.

When a game has multiple levels, its architecture can be used to choreograph player movement through these spaces and transition between them, creating an emotional impact on users through different types of visuals such as color, texture, and light.

These techniques are essential when creating the user experience in a video game and also assist in conveying stories or ideas through renders or 3D models.

For instance, Dark Souls utilizes these elements to increase player tension in a dark fantasy realm.

In order to achieve this goal, the game's architecture must be carefully designed and balanced so players feel secure in a world which may be intimidating but that they want to explore. This is especially crucial for action games where the player needs to move quickly and be able to navigate without getting lost.