The Power of Worldbuilding in Films, Television, and Games

The magic of storytelling extends beyond the confines of books, seeping into the mediums of film, television, and games. Seemingly disparate worlds — Hollywood’s iconic movie and television sets and the imaginative landscapes within board and video games share a common thread: the art of world-building. 

And while the world isn’t the story, without these details the viewers or players have limited context for what is possible or not on the heroes’ journeys! A well structured world provides rules, constraints, and possibilities. The world of Harry Potter has richness because of the attention to detail the author gave the world over the trajectory of all the books. The worlds of Dune and Star Wars have evolved over town as more books and films were created. The same is true of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Within these world even more stories emerge.

In both film and gaming, designers are tasked with creating environments that transport audiences to other worlds. Television sets such as those erected on the Warner Bros. studio lots for the television show Abbott Elementary craft scenes with specific details to evoke intended emotions. The set design for the exterior of a Philadelphia school, as shown below, sets the scene for this show’s narrative. In this image you can see the red brick façade built in front of an existing structure on the lot, upper buildings that will not appear in the final images. Whether creating worlds of plaster and wood on a television set or from digital pixels for a game, the design of the world is critical for immersing viewers into the world and story.

Physical set designers and game developers alike understand the power of details. From the props of a movie set to the intricate levels within a game world, every detail contributes to the immersive experience. Carefully chosen colors and textures breathe life into these environments, making them feel authentic and engaging.

Both mediums require a clear understanding of spatial design. Movie and television sets must be practical for filming, considering camera angles, lighting, and actor movement. Similarly, game worlds demand spatial planning to accommodate player navigation and exploration. The flow of spaces, either on-screen or in-game, shapes the overall experience.

Physical sets and game worlds serve as silent storytellers. The environments themselves convey narratives, reflecting the overarching story theme. Whether it’s an urban cityscape or a sprawling fantasy realm, the design must seamlessly integrate with the narrative.

The ultimate goal of both set design and world-building is to immerse the audience or player in a captivating story. The environments become characters in their own right, providing a backdrop for the unfolding drama. It’s this immersive quality that makes both movie sets and game worlds memorable and impactful. Design choices influence how audiences and players feel. 

The previous Abbott Elementary set from the studio lot image above is now complete in the image below, creating the feeling of an authentic, operating Philadelphia school front. The school even gained two more stories with the magic of post production!

The parallels between physical set design on movie sets like Warner Bros. and the world-building endeavors in games underscore the universal principles of storytelling through design, a shared pursuit of creating unforgettable and immersive storytelling.