Introduction

As the global video game industry continues to grow, it’s increasingly common for games to be developed by teams from different parts of the world. While this diversity can lead to some truly innovative and unique experiences, it can also make it difficult for players to identify where a game’s influences come from. In this article, we’ll explore some of the key ways that western influences can manifest in video games, and provide game developers with some tips on how to spot these influences and incorporate them into their own work.

Western Influences in Video Games: A Brief Overview

Before we dive into specific examples and techniques, it’s important to have a basic understanding of what western influences are and why they might be present in video games. At its core, the “west” refers to the countries that make up Western Europe, North America, and Australia (or WENA, for short). These regions have a rich cultural history that has had a profound impact on everything from art and literature to film and television.

It’s not surprising, then, that this same cultural influence would extend to video games as well. Games developed in the west often draw heavily on themes and motifs that are familiar to players in those regions, as well as incorporating elements of popular culture and technology from around the world. This can lead to a unique blend of styles and influences that make western-developed games stand out from their eastern counterparts.

Spotting Western Influences in Video Games

Now that we have a general understanding of what western influences might look like in video games, let’s take a closer look at some specific examples and techniques that game developers can use to spot these influences and incorporate them into their own work.

Character Design

One of the most obvious ways that western influences can be seen in video games is through character design. Characters from Western European and North American cultures often feature more detailed, realistic facial features and body types than those found in games developed in other regions. This can be due to a number of factors, including cultural norms and technological advancements.

For example, the use of motion capture technology has become increasingly common in recent years, allowing game developers to create characters with more lifelike movements and expressions. This not only makes for more immersive and engaging gameplay, but it also allows players to connect more deeply with the characters they’re controlling.

Storytelling

Another area where western influences can be seen in video games is through storytelling. Games developed in the west often feature more complex and nuanced narratives than those found in games from other regions, with a greater emphasis on character development and emotional resonance.

This can be due to a number of factors, including cultural norms and a greater focus on individualism and self-expression in Western societies. For example, many western-developed games explore themes such as identity, relationships, and personal growth in ways that are less common in games from other regions.

Music and Sound

The music and sound design in video games is another area where western influences can be seen. Games developed in the west often feature more diverse and eclectic soundtracks, drawing on a wide range of musical genres and cultural traditions.

In addition to music, sound design in western-developed games also often features more sophisticated and nuanced effects, allowing for more realistic and immersive gameplay experiences. This can be due to advancements in technology, as well as a greater emphasis on attention to detail in Western cultures.

Gameplay Mechanics

Finally, the gameplay mechanics themselves can be a telltale sign of western influences in video games.