How do you balance realism and fantasy in environmental storytelling?

1 Use visual cues

One of the easiest ways to balance realism and fantasy in environmental storytelling is to use visual cues that communicate the genre, tone, and style of your game. For example, if you are making a sci-fi game, you can use futuristic architecture, technology, and lighting to create a sense of realism and immersion. But you can also add some fantasy elements, such as alien creatures, exotic planets, or supernatural powers, to create contrast and variety. Visual cues can also help you establish the rules and logic of your game world, and guide your players' expectations and curiosity.

2 Mix familiar and unfamiliar

Another way to balance realism and fantasy in environmental storytelling is to mix familiar and unfamiliar elements in your game world. For example, if you are making a fantasy game, you can use historical or cultural references, such as medieval castles, ancient ruins, or folk legends, to create a sense of realism and familiarity. But you can also add some unfamiliar elements, such as magic, dragons, or mythical races, to create a sense of fantasy and wonder. Mixing familiar and unfamiliar elements can also help you create a sense of mystery and discovery, and invite your players to explore and learn more about your game world.

3 Choose a consistent theme

A third way to balance realism and fantasy in environmental storytelling is to choose a consistent theme that ties your game world together. For example, if you are making a horror game, you can use a theme of fear, darkness, or madness to create a sense of realism and tension. But you can also add some fantasy elements, such as ghosts, monsters, or curses, to create a sense of horror and suspense. Choosing a consistent theme can also help you create a sense of coherence and purpose, and convey your game's message and emotion.

4 Adapt to your genre and audience

A fourth way to balance realism and fantasy in environmental storytelling is to adapt to your genre and audience. For example, if you are making a casual game, you can use a more stylized and cartoonish approach to create a sense of fun and fantasy. But you can also add some realistic elements, such as physics, puzzles, or feedback, to create a sense of challenge and satisfaction. Adapting to your genre and audience can also help you create a sense of appeal and engagement, and cater to your players' preferences and needs.

5 Test and iterate

A fifth way to balance realism and fantasy in environmental storytelling is to test and iterate your game world. For example, you can use prototypes, playtests, or feedback to evaluate how realistic and fantastical your game world feels, and how it affects your players' immersion and enjoyment. You can also use data, analytics, or metrics to measure how your players interact with your game world, and how it influences your game's performance and retention. Testing and iterating your game world can also help you identify and fix any issues or inconsistencies, and improve your game's quality and polish.

6 Learn from others

A sixth way to balance realism and fantasy in environmental storytelling is to learn from others. For example, you can study and analyze how other games balance realism and fantasy in their game worlds, and what techniques and methods they use. You can also seek inspiration and guidance from other sources, such as books, movies, art, or nature, and how they create immersive and believable worlds. Learning from others can also help you expand your knowledge and skills, and spark your creativity and imagination.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?