As you journey through the game, you’ll stumble upon a myriad of cultures, each vibrant and distinct, with their values and beliefs breathing life into the game world. Take the Aedyrans, for instance. Here’s a people who hold leadership, rightful rule, and order in high esteem. Now, imagine them tossed into Eora’s vast frontier, trying to fit in with the locals. Picture them adjusting, maybe altering their attire or rethinking their ways of living to mesh with this new environment. It’s akin to a “Wild West” setting where flexibility is key to thriving in the rugged Living Lands.
Consider how someone devoted to the goddess Woedica prioritizes law, order, justice, and rightful rule above all else. On the other hand, followers of Abydon, the Smith, cherish industry, hard work, and dedication. This isn’t about disbelief in other deities, but about valuing specific principles more. “This is how we infuse different factions and groups with unique, identifiable ideals, giving players a clear insight into their core values,” explains Patel.
This intricate tapestry is visible not just in belief systems but also in the architecture and clothing designs, tightly interwoven in their expression. Lead Environment Artist Dennis Presnell remarks, “It’s like the world has been a living, breathing entity all along. We see it in the game, but it feels as though this vibrancy was present even during development.” He goes on to describe the iterative process the team underwent, where new assets, ideas, or narrative elements would spark creativity and collaboration. The result? A diverse, cohesive, and authentic world that feels both expansive and unified.
