One intriguing aspect of both historical and non-historical games alike is the game’s overall world and geography. Many video games – especially those that are very large and feature an open world– mandate the need for precise and well-detailed game maps in order to better help the player navigate the world, and get a good sense of their surroundings. But, historical video games require well-detailed maps even more. Here are a few reasons why your historical video game needs to feature a well-detailed map.
Helps Direct the Player
One of the most obvious reasons why a game should feature a highly detailed and accurate in-game map is that it will allow the player to easily navigate the world. With video games becoming bigger and bigger, maps have only become more and more important. Games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla feature absolutely enormous worlds, and for that reason alone, in-game maps are more or less must-have features.
Much like in the real world, some of us have a poor sense of direction and require some sort of help with navigating to get from point A to point B. In-game maps are one of the most important ways of correcting this pitfall and guiding us through open worlds..
Connects the Game With Real Locations
Video games that have some historical basis can further sell players by featuring detailed overworld maps. Even though the Assassin’s Creed series is known to highly fictionalize many historical events and characters, one of the ways it gets away with it is by having historically authentic locations and maps. By grounding its world within reality, the Assassin’s Creed series can more effectively blend fantasy with reality without entirely disconnecting the notion that these events occur in real-world locations and time periods.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, for example, beautifully recreates the world of Ancient Greece. And despite featuring time-travel and magic elements, the game still sells itself well by featuring such a realistic version of Grecian cities from the buildings to the various landmarks that feel as if they were pulled straight from history books.
Helps to Root the Game Within Reality
Another major reason why modern games need in-game maps is the fact that they help root the game within its respective world. Maps have changed over the years, so a historical video game featuring an overworld map should reflect its respective historical period. Historically accurate maps can help root a game within reality and thus better immerse the player within the world.
Games that feature a fantasy world can be equally as immersive if they feature a realistic world with a highly detailed overworld map. The Elder Scrolls and The Witcher series are great examples of this; they both take place within fictional universes but are greatly inspired by the medieval ages and feature massive, highly detailed worlds that feel real thanks to the excellent overworld maps.
The Civilization series is perhaps the greatest example of historical video games that feature excellent, highly detailed, and authentic overworld maps. The franchise has always gone the extra mile in making sure its in-game worlds feature maps that are accurate to the respective period and region, which help engross players within its world.
Epoch Xperience Can Help
If you’re a game developer looking for ways to further improve your historical video game and have little cartography experience, then you’ve come to the right place! Epoch Xperience can assist with your needs, offering services that can elevate your map from highly fictionalized to something rooted in real-world history. We can help you create a historically accurate overworld map, using our many resources and informed experts.
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At Epoch Xperience, we specialize in creating compelling narratives and provide research to give your game the kind of details that engage your players and create a resonant world they want to spend time in. If you are interested in learning more about our gaming research services, you can browse Epoch Xperience’s service on our parent site, SJR Research.
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(This article is credited to Ben Price. For as long as he can remember, Ben has always loved playing, discussing, and writing about video games. Since receiving his B.A. in English, he now writes about them for a living.)