Even the most casual gaming fans have come to appreciate the number of advancements that have taken this industry by storm in recent times. From the continuing emergence of artificial intelligence to the role of in-game rewards such as NFTs, we are living in a brave new world.
However, some themes appear to stand the test of time. This is particularly relevant when discussing the role that mythology still plays. Why do ancient narratives continue to captivate audiences? What is their primary appeal? How are developers attempting to bridge the gap between mythology and 21st-century reality? Let’s see what the experts have to say on the matter.
Catering to a Massive Demographic
We will begin by highlighting the pragmatic side of the equation. The fact of the matter is that games associated with ancient themes tend to resonate with an extremely wide audience. They are not hampered by cultural nuances, and they rarely cause any type of offence with the players themselves. These are the reasons why developers tend to gravitate to this genre. One example of the success that can be achieved involves the Book of Dead slots franchise. Offering rich historical overtones and enabling players to take on the role of a daring explorer, this title clearly illustrates why mythology continues to enjoy such prominence throughout the iGaming community.
The Psychological Side of Things
Familiarity is another metric that ultimately determines the popularity of any game. While players do indeed love novelty, they also require comfort if they hope to make the most out of the experience. The good news is that ancient themes can tap into both sides of the proverbial spectrum. Consider some of the sentiments that such games will often employ:
- Jealousy
- Heroism
- Conflict
- Redemption
- Transformation
Everyone can identify with these feelings, and they can be used to create “anchor points” within a larger narrative. Even entirely fictional games illustrate this fact (remember the success enjoyed by the Zelda series made for the Nintendo Entertainment System).
Ideal for Game Developers
This lesser-known observation likewise deserves a fair amount of attention. The appeal of any game is partially determined by the visuals that software engineers employ. In the case of ancient mythology, these professionals are provided with a rich palette of possibilities. Timeless architecture, well-known symbols, bold colours, and stunning iconography are some options at their disposal. Consider the striking image of Zeus wielding a thunderbolt, or Egyptian hieroglyphs found within a slots wheel. These are two well-known examples.
The Power of Escapism
Developers are also provided with a fair amount of latitude during the developmental process. For instance, they may choose to combine two separate ancient cultures to create an entirely new timeline. This notion of artistic “escapism” continues to attract a new generation of talent, and it has resulted in a handful of crossover titles.
One example involves a recent iteration of World of Tanks. Programmers have decided to include elements of Viking lore alongside the tank battles themselves; essentially bridging the gap between the ancient and the modern. This is also likely to attract a wider audience base; never a bad thing when it comes to overall commercial success.
Learning (Literally) from the Past
The digital gaming community has followed a series of trends since the so-called “golden days” of the late 1980s, and 1990s. One of these involves taking advantage of the momentum associated with previous commercial success stories. Two franchises immediately come to mind:
- Dungeons & Dragons
- The Lord of the Rings
Both enjoyed a great deal of critical acclaim, and they have become legends throughout the online gaming ecosystem. So, it makes perfect sense that the next generation of developers will continue to leverage the possibilities.
The Surprising Role of Education
There are also times when certain types of games can be used as educational tools. They may summarise the history of an ancient culture, explore creation myths, or teach children about the importance of basic morality. Unlike some other genres, ancient themes tend to be suitable for all age groups; yet another reason why they have become ubiquitous throughout the online gaming marketplace.
We can now begin to appreciate why timeless narratives are not going away any time soon. Even with the emergence of technological breakthroughs (such as augmented reality headsets), these topics are indeed here to stay. Whether you are a fan of the latest slots titles, you enjoy playing a few rounds of solitaire offering an Egyptian theme, or you are simply hoping to keep abreast of the latest gaming trends, timeless stories will continue to dominate.
