Developing a Setting for a Game

 

Note: This post leans towards Role-Playing Games, so some of the statements and ideas given might not work well for other game genres.

If the genre of the game is selected first, it might be restricted by ideas, mechanics and themes belonging to that genre before the theme and or ideas were selected first.

In order to create a setting for a game of any kind, it is important to first have an idea of what the theme and main ideas for the story are. Here are a few general themes;

• Action

• Crime

• Fantasy

• Horror

• Mystery

• Realistic

• Retro

• Science fiction

• Simulation

These main themes give an overall structure for the game, and help what main ideas are used for the story. The ideas used in the setting are another essential part for the game, they give the feel of the game and are what gives the setting uniqueness and relevance when compared to other settings. Game mechanics might also affect the game’s story, they can also give new ideas for the setting. Here are a few examples of game mechanics;

• Combat 

• Creation

• Destruction

• Exploration

• Investigation

• Stealing

These examples of main ideas/mechanics, when combined with the theme, create a setting to base the story upon. The setting then gives a mood or feeling as to what the story might be.

Now that the theme, main ideas and or mechanics are in place, the finer details of the setting, such as the history and lore, can be made. The rest of these details are up to you, the creator of your new setting.

Happy developing!