![]() It is blocked by a gate and can be seen a few blocks over from the camera’s location. Have a look at this lighthouse shown below: ![]() They can provide hints about where to place your landmarks and how to accentuate them in game. There are innumerable examples of real-life environments which can serve as inspiration, so you should always be looking for references that catch your eye. Also pay attention to how the landmark is used to draw attention to the locked grate located just below by being a similar colour and contrasting in shape, purposefully informing the player of a hidden location they can explore. Notice the similarities in terms of rock colour texture, rock placement and the vast expanse of almost bare surrounding land. The Puzzling Pillar Ruins in Skyrim are a great example of a location possibly inspired by Stonehenge. It’s size and distinct composition could make it an ideal midpoint in a map, where the player can return to if they are lost. As seen below, Stonehenge in England has a unique layout that would make it stand out among a regular environment in an open world game. With this in mind, real life architecture features good examples of structures that stand out and leave a lasting impression, making them good references for creating landmarks. I believe that real life environments should be taken as a guideline, and then altered to allow for player agency, in alignment with the game’s theme and genre. In many popular franchises, whole cities and landscapes are used to inspire creative and interesting settings. ![]() As time went on, I realised the benefit of using familiar references to make realistic levels. When I began as a level designer, I found myself worrying about using real life environments as inspirations for my creations, often feeling like a fraud for using similar designs. Real life landmarks and their videogame counterparts The landmark is seen close to the start of the game, and is also mentioned various times around Columbia in order to repeatedly draw the player’s awareness to it. It’s sheer size means that it’s visible to the player as they traverse the map, allowing them to explore without concern of getting lost. It is also highlighted by the shining light, which both attracts the players attention, and works well with the angel silhouette. It’s grey complexion and shape stands out amongst the various buildings surrounding it, as shown in the image above. BioShock Infinite’s Monument Tower is a perfect example of an engaging landmark that draws the player’s attention and fits in well with the game’s narrative. Landmarks are most often found in large, open world games where the player has the opportunity to explore lots of different places. ![]() As ‘weenie’ is more of a specialist term and the definition sometimes varies, I will use ‘landmarks’ in this article for clarity and continuity.Ĭinderella Castle - Walt Disney World Resort In this way, all weenies are landmarks, but not all landmarks are weenies. This word is used to describe more building like landmarks which are usually large and take on tower or spire-like appearances, like the various castles dotted around the attraction. Some video game landmarks are more commonly known as ‘weenies’, a term which was invented by Disney to describe ‘visual magnets’ designed for Disney World. Other times landmarks are not accessible to the player, but serve as interesting set pieces or background environments. Various landmarks will be visited by the player during missions or side quests, and many just through free exploration. Landmarks frequently indicate something of importance, with the area surrounding a landmark holding special items, unique enemies, or progressing the game’s narrative. They are purposefully designed to stand out in the environment and draw the player’s attention. They’re often used as central points for large areas, with the purpose of giving the player a way to work out where they are at all times and a chance to gather their bearings. In gaming, they’re extremely useful for navigation. Landmarks in video games are unique structures or places that stand out within an environment. What is a videogame landmark, and what is its purpose?
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