Description: World building is the process of creating an imaginary world, often used in virtual reality (VR) to develop immersive environments. This concept involves the creation of three-dimensional spaces that can be explored and experienced by users, allowing for deep and meaningful interaction with the environment. In world building, elements of graphic design, programming, and storytelling are combined to bring to life universes that can range from realistic to fantastical. Constructed worlds can include landscapes, buildings, characters, and interactive objects, all designed to provide an engaging experience. The quality of world building is measured by its ability to attract and hold the user’s attention, as well as the internal coherence of its design. As technology advances, the tools and techniques for world building become more sophisticated, allowing creators to experiment with new forms of immersion and narrative. This process is not limited to video game creation but extends to educational applications, simulations, and artistic experiences, where user interaction with the virtual world becomes an essential component of the overall experience.
History: World building has its roots in literature and film, where authors and filmmakers have created fictional universes for centuries. However, with the advent of digital technology in the 1980s and 1990s, the term began to take shape in the context of video games. Titles like ‘Doom’ (1993) and ‘Myst’ (1993) laid the groundwork for the creation of immersive three-dimensional environments. As virtual reality technology developed in the 2000s, world building became a fundamental aspect of the VR experience, allowing users to explore and interact with these environments in a more realistic and engaging way.
Uses: World building is used in various fields, including video games, educational simulations, training environments, and artistic experiences. In video games, it allows players to immerse themselves in complex narratives and explore detailed environments. In education, it is employed to create simulations that facilitate hands-on learning in fields such as medicine or engineering. Additionally, in art, virtual worlds are used to create interactive installations that invite reflection and audience participation.
Examples: Examples of world building include ‘The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim’, where players can explore a vast open world filled with history and detail; ‘Second Life’, a virtual reality platform that allows users to create and customize their own environments; and ‘Tilt Brush’, a virtual reality application that allows artists to paint in a three-dimensional space. These examples demonstrate the diversity and potential of world building in different contexts.
