Ask any serious video gamer about the most important aspect of a good game, and they will tell you about its architecture.
A lot of people may think that the characters, the gameplay, or the difficulty levels in a video game are what makes it interesting and exciting to play. However, what people don’t understand is that the architectural aspects of video games are one of the most vital parts of designing a good game.
From the background of the game to the sound effects, character costumes, and spotlight, video game architecture is single-handedly one of the most ignored yet essential aspects of game design.
In this article, we will guide you through the various aspects of architecture in video game design and tell you its significance. So, sit back, and keep reading to know more about it!
Architecture In Video Game Design
Contents
- Architecture In Video Game Design
- What Is Architecture In Terms Of Video Game Design?
- The Importance Of Architecture In Video Game Design
- It Creates A Realistic World For Gamers
- It Triggers An Emotional Response
- It Helps Players Immerse Themselves In The Gaming World
- It Leaves A Lasting Impression
- It Allows Designers To Use Their Imagination
- What Is The Function Of Architecture In Video Gaming?
- Exploration
- Concealment
- Constraint
- Obstacles
- Final Words
What Is Architecture In Terms Of Video Game Design?
What we know as “architecture” in our world is not the same in the gaming world. Architecture in the gaming world refers to a setting or mood that is created within the game. It is how users experience the world within a game and how they interact with it. This built-in ambiance and environment are known as the architecture of a game design.
This is the job of a game architect. These talented individuals create a realistic virtual background and scenery for each video game, making the interaction and experience for the player more realistic and exciting.
The experience of a gamer hugely depends on how well the game architecture is built and designed. Moreover, good gaming architecture has the ability to convey subtle emotions, thoughts, ideas, and concepts to the player without using overt signs and signals.
The Importance Of Architecture In Video Game Design
Now that you know a little about what architecture in video game design refers to let us talk about its significance. Without proper gaming architecture, any video game can seem incomplete or uninteresting. However, there are several more aspects that you should know about.
Let us take a look at them below.
It Creates A Realistic World For Gamers
Most gamers will tell you that getting immersed in the “unreal” or virtual world of gaming can be an enthralling and exhilarating experience. The ability to step away from the “real world” and be a part of another, make-believe or fantasy world, where you can interact with the different characters and environment, can be a thrilling experience for most.
However, the experience can be subdued if the architecture in the game design is shoddy. We have all come across various video games where the companies have hired sub-par designers who cannot create a world that is real or believable enough. This can ruin the experience of otherwise excellent gameplay.
On the other hand, you will also come across video games that are designed to look like a version of our real world. In fact, many video games take cues from our real world and environment to create a make-believe world that is immersive and captivating.
The experience of being able to hear soft footsteps behind you as an enemy approaches, the sound of a sword being drawn is what makes a video game more realistic and fun. Imagine being able to almost feel a fire-breathing dragon near you or hearing the battle cries of the enemies you have slain. These can be extremely thrilling and take your video gaming experience to the next level.
Well, it is up to the game designers and game developers to create this ultra-realistic atmosphere within a game that is so captivating that you can forget about the real world for a couple of hours.
With the advent of better technology and more talented and skilled game designers and developers, we can now see video games being created in hyper-realistic formats. This makes the gaming experience all the more exciting for gamers of all kinds.
It Triggers An Emotional Response
For a lot of gamers, the experience of playing a good game can trigger an emotional response. Say you find yourself walking down the streets of old Rome, only to be confronted by an alien species that has invaded earth. Or maybe, you are the last person standing in a zombie apocalypse and you need to find a way to get out alive.
Navigating your way through the game to reach the end of it while experiencing the incredible virtual world created by talented designers is enthralling. Often, it triggers an emotional response from gamers who are heavily immersed in the activity.
Without good architectural design in the game, which includes sounds, lighting, the use of space, design, concepts, characters, and the storyline, the game would be incomplete. It can be difficult for non-gamers to understand how players can be so involved in a game that they can lose track of reality. However, the hallmark of a good game design is precisely that.
It Helps Players Immerse Themselves In The Gaming World
We all have a hectic life and busy schedules. Most of us hardly have any time for ourselves, and we are so immersed in the real world that we forget to take some time off to breathe and relax.
Fortunately, gamers have just the solution to escaping from this humdrum existence. Certain video games offer a completely immersive experience where players can get lost in the mind-numbing hues and shadows, the beautiful gameplay, storyline, and the mesmerizing scenery of the game.
Immersing yourself in the world of gaming for a couple of hours can help relieve stress and take a load off your mind. Furthermore, it enables you to connect with other players who are looking for the same escape.
Of course, you will find plenty of single-player games that don’t require the participation of other players. These games can be an incredible stress-relieving, relaxing, and engaging source of comfort and entertainment for players.
None of this would be possible without good architectural design. The best and top-rated video games in the world are known for their immersive gameplay and graphics. Of course, good architecture of game design is more than just graphics. It involves triggering all the senses of a player to help them have a complete experience of the game.
It Leaves A Lasting Impression
Do you remember your favorite video game? Maybe it was Diablo, Assassins Creed, or anything else. What makes the game so nostalgic to you now, and what made it your favorite all those years ago?
Well, the answer to that is never simple. In order to design a good video game, a game developer needs to tackle several aspects at once. However, all these aspects combine to form a lasting impression in the gamers mind. You will come across several serious gamers who are continually on the quest to find their old favorites.
Of course, modern video games use much higher quality graphics, audio and create “better” gameplay compared to the old classics.
It Allows Designers To Use Their Imagination
Good architecture in video game design isn’t just exciting for gamers but also for designers. It enables the designers and game developers to let their creative juices flow and design some of the most fascinating game universes.
One of the best aspects of architecture in game design is that the developers aren’t tied down by real-world constraints. These include time-constraint, financial, space, labor, materials, and other such tangible aspects.
As such, game developers and designers can create ultra-realistic, luxurious game universes that capture the hearts of players. Moreover, they can design the game universe without following the rules and constraints of our real world.
What Is The Function Of Architecture In Video Gaming?
Now that we have talked at length about the significance of architecture in video gaming, you might be wondering what its functionality is. As we see in the real world, architecture creates the building blocks for all the structures and spaces around us. Without architects, we would probably be left with large, empty spaces which we wouldn’t know how to use.
Architects build a world around us that we can navigate with ease and interest. In the same way, game developers and designers build a storyline and gameplay that makes the video game what it is to players.
As such, there are five primary functions of architecture in video gaming. Understanding these aspects will help you learn more about the importance and need for good architecture in games.
Exploration
One of the most common gameplays we can come across in video gaming is the aspect of exploration. The game developer designs the video game like a maze or a puzzle that the player needs to explore. They have to overcome obstacles and explore the various parts of the game universe to get to the next levels or reach places within the game.
Many designers provide players with a map within the game universe. This allows them to navigate the new world in an easier way. However, if the game does not have a map, the players must rely on memory to explore the universe and remember their way around it. They might have to go back to certain spots in the game to find hidden aspects or unlock prizes.
Designers must make use of lights, shadows, subtle movement, and sounds to guide the player through the game universe. This gives them auditory and visual clues about where to go next and how to approach the gameplay.
Concealment
Another fascinating aspect of using architecture in gameplay is to conceal objects, tasks, or other players within the game universe. Designers make use of various elements within the game to create hidden challenges which the players must overcome. It also adds an element of surprise and intrigue while constantly keeping the player on their toes.
Constraint
Some games involve complex or straightforward rules where the players or objects can and cannot move in certain ways. These rules are designed by the game players to promote certain gameplay that makes the game what it is.
Architecture in video game design establishes these rules that govern how certain players or pieces can move within the game. It also establishes the boundaries within which the players have the freedom to use the tools or weapons in the game universe.
Obstacles
Finally, architecture is used in video game design to build obstacles that players must overcome to reach the next levels of the game. These can be in the form of jumping, climbing, sliding, or avoiding obstacles. It makes the gameplay interesting for players and creates a sense of curiosity and intrigue within the game.
There are a number of popular video games that present obstacles or tasks that require the players to show certain skills to overcome them. These may be casual or serious gameplays depending on the video game.
Final Words
By now, you must have a better understanding why architecture is an essential part of in game assets. Like the building blocks that make our societies, good architecture in games is what makes them popular.
Do you have any favorite video games whose architecture and design inspire you? Let us know what you think in the comments below, and tell us what your favorite video game is and why.
Well, that’s it for now. Stay safe and happy gaming!
FAQs
What role does architecture play in video games? ›
Architecture can tell a story, evoke emotion and shape player experience more effectively than any other aspect of your game. You can have the best characters, storyline, and UI graphics, but without an equally considerate approach to architecture, your player experience will always fall short of its fullest potential.
What is the importance of design in architecture? ›Architectural design is an important phase of every project because it focuses heavily on the functionality and aestheticism of your project. Every design detail will make a difference in the day-to-day life of those who will be utilizing the space.
How video game architecture is speaking to you? ›Just like physical materials, light is practical, artistic, and psychological all at once. It is the architectural tool that ties everything together, interacting with materials, filling spaces, and the presence, or therefore lack of it, tells an enticing story bringing us as players even deeper into immersion.
Why is video game design important? ›Game Design Teaches Key Skills
It encourages teamwork and reinforces problem-solving concepts. It helps kids get hands-on with technology. Not only how to use technology, but how to manipulate it and tweak it to your liking. It helps them understand and analyze systems.
architecture, the art and technique of designing and building, as distinguished from the skills associated with construction.
Can an architect work in game design? ›Architects also typically have a good sense of level design for games and VR. The way that they think is unique and has the potential to save a lot of time during the design process.
What is the significance of a design? ›A Good Design Will Make You Look Good
It's quite simple really, a good design will make you look good and help you to stand out from the competition. It allows you to make a positive first impression on potential customers.
But, at the end of the day, the MOST important part of architecture is one thing and one thing only: requirements. Without requirements, you have no idea if you are actually designing a solution that matters.
What are the five importance of design? ›To design is much more than simply to assemble, to order, or even to edit; it is to add value and meaning, to illuminate, to simplify, to clarify, to modify, to dignify, to dramatise, to persuade, and perhaps even to amuse.
Why concept art is important in game design? ›Concept artists are responsible for the look and feel of a video game. They create the environment, characters, and objects with which players interact. Concept art is a critical part of game development, as it helps to set the tone and style of a game.
Do games need architects? ›
Not really. Architects know all about designing buildings for the real world. They know about making buildings functional, about material strengths, building to withstand earthquakes, real structural engineering. Video games aren't the real world.
What is concept design in video games? ›Concept artists are responsible for the style and look of a game. They are the first to draw the environments, enemies and player characters. Working with a brief from the producer, their sketches are used to help 3D artists, producers, programmers and publishers understand how the game will look.
What is the most important part of game design? ›Visuals are an incredibly important part of game design. Without high-end visuals, no one will like to play the game. A game with sharp graphics will attract a lot of gamers to play the game. It enhances the gaming experience.
What is the true purpose of architecture? ›'Architecture is more than a mere record or reflection of who we are. Instead, the fundamental purpose of architecture is as a means for creating our cultures and ourselves' Determining who we want to be, or what it would now mean to be fully human, could be properly understood as a design problem.
What is the answer of architecture? ›Answer: Architecture is both the process and the product of planning, designing, and constructing buildings or any other structures. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural symbols and as works of art.
What are the 3 main types of architecture? ›- Environmental Design.
- Interior Architecture.
- Landscape Architecture.
Most video game designers have a bachelor's degree in graphic design, multimedia design or a related field. Some universities offer a degree specifically for video game design. Coursework usually includes software engineering, 2D and 3D animation, programming languages and computer design.
How do you become a gaming architect? ›A bachelor's degree in game design can be earned soon after completing class 12/intermediate successfully. Game designers must possess a bachelor's or diploma in game designing or a bachelor's degree in computer science engineering or other equivalent fields. It requires no specific entry-level.
What is gaming architecture and programming? ›Game Architecture and Programming introduces readers to the technologies and software engineering practices used in the game industry today. It helps readers learn the basics of creating a PC game based on DirectX. The topic is effectively branched into two parts: game architecture and game programming.
What is the significance of design in everyday life? ›Design is one of the most powerful forces in our lives, whether or not we are aware of it, and can also be inspiring, empowering and enlightening” . Good design is so much more than creating a good-looking product. It is about creating a positive experience for users at every touch point and with every interaction.
What is the meaning and significance of a research design? ›
A research design can be defined as the preparation of conditions, for the collection and analysis of data in such a manner, which aims at combining relevance to the research purpose with economy in procedure. In other words, the design arrangement of a research project is commonly known as the “research design”.
What is designing in architecture? ›Architectural design is a discipline that focuses on covering and meeting the needs and demands, to create living spaces, using certain tools and especially, creativity. Therefore, the aim is to combine the technological and the aesthetic, despite the general belief that architecture is only a technological task.
What are the important elements of architecture? ›The 4 primary elements of architecture include the point, line, plane, and volume. The order of these elements represents the transformation from a single point to a one-dimensional line, from a line to a two-dimensional plane, and finally, from a plane to a three-dimensional volume.
What are three things that impact architecture? ›- Geography, Climate, and Commercial Stair Design. Geography plays a vital role in architecture. ...
- Religion, Technology, and Culture. Many clients don't have any specific requirements prevailing to religion. ...
- Imagination and Style. ...
- Budget. ...
- Design Changes.
- GREAT UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR NEEDS. ...
- BETTER DESIGN. ...
- AVOIDING DESIGN ERRORS. ...
- CREATIVE SOLUTIONS. ...
- GOOD DESIGN IS A PROFITABLE INVESTMENT. ...
- THEY WILL HELP YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT MATERIALS AND FINISHES. ...
- GOOD STEWARDS OF RESOURCES. ...
- TRUST.
Knowledge and understanding of design does. No amount of features in a design tool will make your design work more effective. You may become more efficient but the actual quality of design work won't change, unless you improve your design knowledge.
What are the 3 most important elements of design? ›- Color: Color helps establish a mood for your composition. ...
- Line: Line refers to the way that two points in space are connected. ...
- Value: In design, value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color. ...
- Space: Making proper use of space can help others view your design as you intended.
Drawing helps develop your skills to become a game artist. If you are good at drawing, then practice it daily to upgrade your thoughts and skills. Enrol in a game designing course or join drawing classes for better results.
How important is a game concept? ›There are a lot of things that go into creating a great game, but the first and perhaps most important one is the “game concept” (also called game documentation). A game concept, in its simplest form, is the easy-to-understand vision you have for your game. It's also a way for you to sell your game idea.
Why is aesthetics important in game design? ›Art designs that look dull or underdeveloped in line with a game's theme will turn off some gamers. That's why video game developers place increasing importance on the video game aesthetic angle, to drive engagement and encourage gamers to fully immerse themselves in their new virtual worlds.
What skills do you need to design games? ›
- Creativity.
- Artistic vision.
- A passion for video games.
- Storytelling ability.
- Wide-ranging knowledge of gaming trends.
- Strong analytical frame of mind.
- Excellent programming skills.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
Generally no. You can find a fair number of environment artists, especially older environment artists from before game-art degrees were a thing, who have a degree in architecture. But they also spent years developing game art skills, and they don't currently, and in most cases never have, worked as an architect.
Is game engine an architecture? ›Game Engine Architecture covers both the theory and practice of game engine software development, bringing together complete coverage of a wide range of topics. The concepts and techniques described are the actual ones used by real game studios like Electronic Arts and Naughty Dog.
What are the 3 disciplines of video game design? ›Game design training programs focus on three main disciplines - design, art, and programming. Your personal interests, passions and employment goals will determine which video game design training program is the best fit to get hired for the job you want.
What are the types of design concepts? ›- Concept. Creativity. Design. Innovation.
- Backward Invention. Business Experiments. Concept Design.
- Concept Testing. Creativity Of Constraints. First Principles.
- Idea Screening. Inventive Step. Lead Users.
There are twelve basic principles of design: contrast, balance, emphasis, proportion, hierarchy, repetition, rhythm, pattern, white space, movement, variety, and unity. These principles work together to create visually appealing and functional designs that make sense to users.
What is the most important feature of a game? ›Gameplay is arguably the most important aspect of a game. You can have breathtaking graphics and an enthralling storyline, but if the main game mechanics the player will be performing aren't fun, your project may as well have been a movie.
What is the most important stage in game development? ›Production. Production is the longest and most important stage of game development. This is where the lion's share of your time and money will be spent, and your game truly starts to come to life.
What makes a good video game designer? ›Strong IT skills (programming, video graphics and hardware)
Beyond coding, you need to have a flair for design. As graphics and animation play a huge role in video games, game designers need to be familiar with character design, scenery design, and user interface design.
- Be User-Focused. This is the #1 thing to keep in mind when developing any product. ...
- Research Trends and Competition. ...
- Differentiate Your Game. ...
- Have a Hook. ...
- Keep It Simple — at First. ...
- Have Different Elements of the Experience in Mind. ...
- Assemble a Stellar Team. ...
- Create a Plan.
What skills do you need to be good at video games? ›
Video games require hand skills to execute the desired task to play the game, using fine and gross motor skills with visual perception. Play a game that requires precision timing, a sensitive touch and detail and you will find your hand-eye skill increases.
What are the most important parts of a game? ›Key components of games are goals, rules, challenge, and interactivity.
What are the 4 essential elements of a game? ›What are the basic elements all games have in common? All games have players, objectives, a system of rules, and feedback. All these together make a game a game.
› blog › what-is-game-design ›What is Game Design and How to Become a Game Designer
Game design
6 Components of Video Game Design
Not really. Architects know all about designing buildings for the real world. They know about making buildings functional, about material strengths, building to withstand earthquakes, real structural engineering. Video games aren't the real world.
How is engineering used in video games? ›A game engineer helps with a variety of tasks that go into creating a video game. Game engineers can create the basic software that runs the program itself. They can also be in charge of the artificial intelligence or various programs that control the way the characters move, feel, act, and look.
What is architecture of a game engine? ›Game Engine Architecture covers both the theory and practice of game engine software development, bringing together complete coverage of a wide range of topics. The concepts and techniques described are the actual ones used by real game studios like Electronic Arts and Naughty Dog.
How is Lego related to architecture? ›Origins of Lego Architecture
In 1961, Lego introduced the product range “Scale Model” to cope with the people's rising interest in designing their own homes back at the time.
Game Architecture and Programming introduces readers to the technologies and software engineering practices used in the game industry today. It helps readers learn the basics of creating a PC game based on DirectX. The topic is effectively branched into two parts: game architecture and game programming.
How do you become a game architect? ›Most video game designers have a bachelor's degree in graphic design, multimedia design or a related field. Some universities offer a degree specifically for video game design. Coursework usually includes software engineering, 2D and 3D animation, programming languages and computer design.
How do you become a gaming architect? ›
A bachelor's degree in game design can be earned soon after completing class 12/intermediate successfully. Game designers must possess a bachelor's or diploma in game designing or a bachelor's degree in computer science engineering or other equivalent fields. It requires no specific entry-level.
Which engineering is best for game development? ›Software Engineering. Like computer science, the software engineering field is massive and continuously changing. It is a great degree option for those who want a career in video gaming. With a degree in software engineering, you'll know how to create software for your games and how to maintain it.
What engineer designs video games? ›A game programmer is a software engineer, programmer, or computer scientist who primarily develops codebases for video games or related software, such as game development tools. Game programming has many specialized disciplines, all of which fall under the umbrella term of "game programmer".
What is game design engineering? ›A game engineer is a software developer that produces video games. As a game engineer, your duties may be in any phase of the game design process. You typically work as part of a large team of engineers, designers, and programmers, carrying out the visual and functional aspects of the video game.
What are the 5 core elements of game design? ›- Conflict. For a game to be interesting, there should be some sort of conflict to present a challenge for the player to overcome. ...
- Strategy and chance. ...
- Aesthetics. ...
- Theme and story. ...
- Rewards.
Formal game structures are the cornerstone on which game designers build their experiences. These structures shape what the designer intends to convey and what the player hopes to takeaway. Recognizing these formal structures helps your players define their experience. The design process. Games are a technology.
What are the different types of game designers? ›There are multiple kinds of job titles for game design including lead designer, content designers, game mechanic designers, level designers, and writers. Each of these job titles in game design contribute something unique to the overall game design team.
What influenced architecture? ›Geography plays a vital role in architecture. It's the base of an architect's design elements. Some things that can be kept in mind when it comes to geography are the topography or the place where architects want to construct a building. All the surveyors find out about the location before making a building.
Why is building with LEGOs important? ›Creating a LEGO® creation – whether that be through following instructions, or from an idea in their own mind – allows children to achieve a sense of accomplishment, pride and build on their self-confidence and self-belief; driving children to try out more complex tasks when they feel ready.
How does LEGO use design thinking? ›Lego Serious Play is a tool used to support the Design Thinking Methodology. It is an open source tool designed to leverage internal knowledge within your organization in order to draw out a diverse set of ideas and opinions. Participants are invited to build and share their ideas through the use of metaphor.