Video Game WorldBuilding
Creating Believable Immersion
Michael Salmond(Author)
Bloomsbury Academic (Publisher)
Will be published approx. on 18. February 2027
Book
Hardback
256 pages
979-8-7651-2570-0 (ISBN)
Description
This book explores the discipline of World Design, also referred to as World Building, within large and small video game studios and outlines the fundamental skill sets required to become a World Builder, covering the theoretical aspects of moving from a concept to executing a digitally imagined world.
Video Game World Design is a practical introduction to the creative discipline of designing immersive digital worlds, or World Building. Aimed at students and aspiring game designers, it explores the skills, tools, and interdisciplinary knowledge needed to create coherent, engaging environments for gameplay.
Covering everything from concept development to execution in game engines, the book draws on real-world case studies and insights from industry professionals to offer a clear picture of what it takes to become a successful World Designer.
Key features include:
*Clear definitions of the World Builder role and required skill sets
*Exploration of complementary fields such as architecture, art, geography, and politics
*Practical guidance on pre-production methods and collaboration in game development
*Techniques for building player-centered environments, from map design to props and audio
*Case studies and interviews offering real-world context and future trends
*Over 100 color images throughout that support the text and provide visual aids
Video Game World Design is a practical introduction to the creative discipline of designing immersive digital worlds, or World Building. Aimed at students and aspiring game designers, it explores the skills, tools, and interdisciplinary knowledge needed to create coherent, engaging environments for gameplay.
Covering everything from concept development to execution in game engines, the book draws on real-world case studies and insights from industry professionals to offer a clear picture of what it takes to become a successful World Designer.
Key features include:
*Clear definitions of the World Builder role and required skill sets
*Exploration of complementary fields such as architecture, art, geography, and politics
*Practical guidance on pre-production methods and collaboration in game development
*Techniques for building player-centered environments, from map design to props and audio
*Case studies and interviews offering real-world context and future trends
*Over 100 color images throughout that support the text and provide visual aids
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Target group
College/higher education
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
With dust jacket
Illustrations
165 colour illus
Dimensions
Height: 254 mm
Width: 178 mm
Thickness: 25 mm
Weight
454 gr
ISBN-13
979-8-7651-2570-0 (9798765125700)
Copyright in bibliographic data is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or its licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Michael Salmond is Professor of Digital Media Design at Florida Gulf Coast University, USA. He has taught interactive design and video game design for over 17 years. He is the author of Video Game Level Design (Bloomsbury, 2021), Video Game Design (Bloomsbury, 2016) and The Fundamentals of Interactive Design (Bloomsbury, 2013).
Content
Introduction
1. Building a World
2. Complementary Knowledge
3. Maps
4. Game Map Aesthetics
5. World Building and the Pre-Production process
Case Study: The Axis Unseen
6. World Building with Architecture
7. World Anthropology
8. Game Writers and Narrative Designers
9. World Bibles, Art Bibles
Case Study: Returnal
10. Translating the World
11. Career Advice
Index
1. Building a World
2. Complementary Knowledge
3. Maps
4. Game Map Aesthetics
5. World Building and the Pre-Production process
Case Study: The Axis Unseen
6. World Building with Architecture
7. World Anthropology
8. Game Writers and Narrative Designers
9. World Bibles, Art Bibles
Case Study: Returnal
10. Translating the World
11. Career Advice
Index