This journey introduces players to a tapestry of cultures, each with its own unique beliefs and values that breathe life into the game world. Consider the Aedyrans, a nation that holds the concepts of leadership, order, and rightful rule in high esteem. Now, picture them as they venture into Eora’s uncharted territories. How do they adjust and blend into this new environment? Perhaps it’s a modest tweak to their clothing or a shift in their lifestyle choices. In this “Wild West” setting, you’ll find all sorts flocking to the frontier, and such rigidity might clash with the demands of survival in the Living Lands.
For instance, someone who primarily honors Woedica, the goddess, places a strong emphasis on law, order, justice, and rightful rulership. On the other hand, if Abydon, the Smith, is your chosen deity, you value industry, hard work, and dedication above all else. According to Patel, “This allows us to infuse factions and groups with ideals that players can immediately recognize, helping them understand what each group stands for.”
These values and beliefs shine through vividly in both the architecture and clothing, creating a sense of harmony between the two. Lead Environment Artist Dennis Presnell shares, “This world we’ve built feels like a living, breathing entity. Although it’s depicted in the game, it seems to have been that way even during development. It’s an iterative process, with team members contributing new assets and inventive ideas that build upon each other’s work. Together, we’ve crafted something that offers a rich variety—a grand, cohesive, and authentic world.”
