The world of fantasy has long captivated our imaginations, but as the imminent launch of Baldur’s Gate 3 looms ahead, I find myself yearning for something different. The traditional European folklore and Tolkien-inspired settings have become tiresome, leaving me craving game developers to venture into unexplored territories in search of a fresh muse. While Baldur’s Gate is tied to an existing universe, the Forgotten Realms, it remains one of the less exciting locations in the world of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). I yearn for cosmic fantasy, the wonderful mess of other planes, and the void between worlds that Spelljammer campaigns offer.
Credit must be given to Larian Studios for their efforts in embracing the odder side of D&D. By focusing on mind flayers, body horror, and introducing unique characters like The Dark Urge, Baldur’s Gate 3 stands out from the conventional fantasy setting. It is clear that Larian Studios is having fun pushing the boundaries within this familiar backdrop. However, even celebrated fantasy games often fall into a trap of conservative storytelling, relying on tired tropes and ancient themes.
Traditional fantasy is not inherently terrible. Dwarves, for instance, continue to hold a special place in my heart, not just because they are often depicted as Scottish. The problem lies in the repetitive nature of many games, films, and books that retell the same ancient stories found in works like Lord of the Rings. These oversaturated tropes and overemphasis on racial traits have made even new tales feel predictable and uninspiring.
A shining example of finding the balance between familiarity and alienation is found in Morrowind. Here, people live inside carapaces in a volcanic desert, wizards fall from the sky, and large bugs dominate public transportation. Morrowind proves that a place can feel delightfully weird without abandoning all familiar elements. While some elements could still be discarded, its ability to maintain an alien atmosphere is commendable.
On the other hand, Bethesda’s approach took a different direction with Oblivion and Skyrim, which drew inspiration from European forests and Scandinavian landscapes respectively. While I did not completely abandon the series, my enthusiasm for exploring these locations paled in comparison to the enchanting experience of Morrowind. The moment I recognized the potential for exploring new realms, generic fantasy lost its appeal.
Unearthing Unique Blends
For those seeking a blend of classic fantasy and fresh novelties, Shadowrun offers an intriguing proposition. This tabletop setting successfully merges urban fantasy with mythical creatures like elves and orcs. In this world, formidable corporations control everything, but they exist alongside genuine magic and the possibility of encountering a cybernetically enhanced dwarf hacker. The fusion of cyberpunk with traditional fantasy creates a one-of-a-kind fusion, offering plenty of surprises along the way.
Fantasy offers creators an opportunity to break free from the limitations of reality, where anything can make sense within the right context. However, it seems that developers are increasingly gravitating toward familiar settings, often tackling real-world issues within fantasy worlds. While incorporating real issues into fantasy is not inherently wrong, the overuse of tropes in combination with this approach leaves me yearning for true escapism.
One prime example of achieving the perfect balance between familiarity and the alien can be seen in Failbetter’s Fallen London setting. This unique world, which birthed games like Sunless Sea and Sunless Skies, presents a twisted version of Victorian London, complete with underground bat-infested realms and neighboring Hell where devils were once bees. An indescribable and unnerving horror lingers in every corner of this setting, drawing inspiration from writers like China Mieville, who provides a refreshing take on the weird without resorting to racism.
Developers often express apprehension when it comes to crafting settings that venture too far into the realm of the strange. The fear of confusing players might hinder them from truly embracing the weird. However, the success of games like Elden Ring proves that there is not only an appetite for the bizarre, but also a thirst for narratives that challenge convention. It is possible to have the best of both worlds, providing a familiar entry point while engaging players with mind-boggling experiences.
In addition to embracing the odd and the unfamiliar, it is high time for fantasy games to step beyond the boundaries of Europe. The saturation of European folklore has depleted its creative well, and it is essential for game developers to explore the mythologies of other cultures. The Wagadu Chronicles, an afrofantasy MMO inspired by African mythology, offers a glimmer of hope for a much-needed expansion of fantasy settings. It not only opens doors to new narratives but also promises player agency and emergent quests, breathing new life into the genre.
While smaller, independent studios are already at the forefront of exploring folklore from different corners of the world, they often struggle to gain recognition and influence due to limited budgets and lack of mainstream attention. For the industry to truly diversify, these studios need further support and the kind of success that encourages larger, risk-averse studios to follow in their footsteps.
In the meantime, as we await the next wave of imaginative fantasy games, revisiting Morrowind serves as a reminder of how unique and captivating a world can be when it dares to defy conventions. So, let’s keep our eyes open for the emergence of new narratives, fresh world-building, and the strange and wonderful stories that lie beyond the confines of tired tropes and forgotten realms.
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