Quite often, players hear about the so-called setting. Depending on the genre, as well as the binding of the term to a specific segment, the meaning of the word also changes. Translated from English, it means "situation", but sometimes the setting can have another meaning.
For gamers, this term has already become commonplace and well-known, but a person who is extremely far from the sphere of game-building can unwittingly enter into a stupor. What is a setting and why does this terminology quite often appear both in the near-game and gaming industry, and outside the cybernetic world of gamers?
Origin of the word
So setting is the setting. That is how we can briefly explain the meaning of this word. The atmosphere of the game world, in which the plot and the main theater of action around the main character develops, or, for example, the scenery in the view. “Setting” is not only a gaming term, it is also characteristic of theater, cinema, and literature.
Initially, setting was used as an artistic description of the theater of action for board games, in particular, Monopoly. So, for example, the setting could be called exchanges, factories or enterprises in the USSR. He was previously agreed between the players and created the backstory needed to set the party.
Modern meaning
Over time, the word acquired additional meanings. Today, a setting is also a set of rules that defines the boundaries of what is allowed for players and describes the laws by which the game universe lives. So, the setting determines the place and time of the narrative, whether it is the future or the past, our reality or invented.
The gameplay does not just depend on the setting, it is completely dictated by it, even limited. A gamer cannot use gunpowder or modern technology if the party setting is described as “the Middle Ages” or “Stone Age”.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the setting as a list of rules and distinguishing characteristics of the world in which the events of an art, cinematic or game work develop.
Setting Features
The setting of the game defines literally every little thing. Geography, history, description of opportunities and restrictions imposed on the player. He must be thoughtful and detailed, otherwise the party runs the risk of failure of both parties. This is characteristic not only for board games, but also for computer counterparts. In relation to them, the question of what a setting is is also relevant. It is designed to solve another dilemma - where and when do events unfold? That is, a setting is the definition of the main theater of action, the location of the narrative scenery, a description of the climate, technology, relationships in the gaming society.
Depending on it, the entire game universe is formed. A classic example is World of Warcraft and Warhammer 40,000. In the first case, the player deals with a traditional fantasy setting, diluted due to primitive technologies working both on a pair (historical example) and on mana (invented resource, author's example). In the second case, on the contrary - the player enters into a confrontation in an environment of the distant future, where humanity has already forgotten much more technologies than those that scientists dare to count on in objective reality. Both projects are dedicated to the opposition of factions, but they are distinguished by the setting.
What can be the environment and background?
The question of what a setting can be answered in different ways. First of all, it can be made-up and real. For example, the Middle Ages is a period that really exists in history, while Azeroth (WoW) was invented by the writers of Blizzard.
In addition, the setting can be detailed and general. The period of the USSR is an example of a general direction in the development of the situation, while the “USSR of 1945” already gives a clarification. Depending on the chosen period or environment, the basic laws of the gameplay and the development trends of the narrative can vary.
Why is this term needed?
The term “setting” is used to detail a definition such as “genre”. For example, a game may belong to the RPG (role playing game) genre, but within the segment there is already a repeated division, depending on the setting:
- real or fictitious;
- in the past or future;
- with reference to the literary back or not;
- primitive or advanced technological level;
- with or without magic.
There are a lot of options for the evolution of the setting. Some game universes have existed for several decades, and their environment has evolved along the path of development paved by scriptwriters.
In addition, do not forget that the setting is also a list of rules that impose restrictions on the player. For example, in fantasy desktop games, the backstory dictates the rules for using magic or certain characters. The environment must be studied precisely in order to lead the game, to easily navigate what is happening and, if necessary, to appeal to the opponent, relying on knowledge of the history of the gaming universe.