“Starfield Recently unvelikd a very limited timeline got the game. Star Citizen has for Years had literally an encyclopedia of information publicly available. I discuss the purpose of History in building anticipation in an RPG and why Starf”
In this video, Daniel Raymond, the voice behind Ray’s guide, discusses the limited timeline released by Bethesda for their upcoming game, Starfield, and compares it to the depth of lore and history found in Star Citizen. He argues that a compelling game world history requires more than just a disconnected list of dates and events; it should explore causes, consequences, and connections, and delve into the motivations and advancements of humanity. Raymond highlights the importance of background information and lore in creating an immersive and detailed game world, using examples from both Starfield and Star Citizen.
He points out that Star Citizen has gone all out in building a vast and detailed background history, even including information on seemingly insignificant things like a billboard for a torpedo burrito. The message behind this level of detail is that players can care about these aspects too, as the developers have put in the effort to create a rich and immersive world. Raymond mentions that the role of history is even more crucial in Star Citizen, a multiplayer game where the reality of certain things, like a billboard, is the same for all players.
Furthermore, he explains how the need for extensive lore in Star Citizen is also influenced by the involvement of real actors in its single-player campaign, Squadron 42. Actors require detailed information about scenes and props to accurately portray their characters, even if they are playing with an empty coffee mug. This highlights the level of detail and attention to background information required in game development.
Moving on to the bare bones timeline released by Bethesda for Starfield, Raymond critiques its lack of depth and coherence. He questions the absence of crucial details, such as the invention of faster-than-light (FTL) travel, which would have significant implications for humanity. He suggests that the timeline feels more like a framework hanging individual questlines, rather than a solid foundation for an overarching story. Raymond expresses concern that Starfield might follow a formulaic approach, akin to Skyrim in space, without fully embracing the vastness and complexity of the universe.
In summary, Daniel Raymond discusses the importance of a compelling game world history, where details, connections, and motivations are explored to create an immersive experience for players. He compares the depth of background information and lore in Star Citizen to the limited timeline released by Bethesda for Starfield, expressing his disappointment with the latter. Raymond emphasizes the significance of history in shaping the game world and creating a sense of depth and realism.