Brandon Sanderson, the renowned fantasy novelist, has revealed a personal list of ten video games that have shaped his creative process. in a recent announcement via his official blog, the author detailed how these interactive experiences inform his approach to world-building and narrative structure.
Why Breath of the Wild mirrors the Cosmere's scale
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild stands as the most significant influence on Sanderson’s approach to environmental storytelling.. According to the report, the author is particularly drawn to the game's non-linear narrative and its ability to create a "living, breathing ecosystem." This sense of a reactive, expansive world closely mirrors the complex, rule-based environments Sanderson constructs within his own Cosmere novels.
Sanderson noted that the seamless blend of classic mechanics and contemporary aesthetics in the Nintendo title provides a template for immersive world-building. By utilizing clever environmental puzzles and non-linear progression, the game offers a level of agency that Sanderson finds essential for deep narrative engagement.
From Super Mario World to StarCraft II: A cross-generational gaming list
The author's gaming preferences span several decades and various hardware platforms, showcasing an evolution alongside the medium itself. As Sanderson reported on his blog, his list includes retro classics such as Super Mario World for the SNES and The Curse of Monkey Island for PC. These older titles sit alongside modern heavyweights that have redefined their respective genres.
The full selection of ten titles includes a diverse array of gameplay styles, such as:
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Assassin's Creed II for narrative depth.
- Mass Effect, which appears multiple times on his list.
- Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Borderlands 2 for role-playing elements.
- StarCraft II and League of Legends for competitive and strategic complexity.
How Moonbreaker bridges the gap between tabletop and digital play
Sanderson is actively integrating these interactive influences into his professional work through his upcoming project , Moonbreaker. This digital role-playing game is designed to translate the tactical excitement of a tabletop war-board into a digital format . The project serves as a practical application of his lifelong interest in the collaborative and mechanical aspects of gaming.
By moving from the written word to game design , Sanderson is exploring how mechanics can act as a secondary form of storytelling. The report suggests that his deep familiarity with both tabletop and digital systems allows him to approach game design with a unique, authorial perspective on character and setting.
What specific lessons did Mass Effect provide?
Several entries on the list, most notably Mass Effect, lack specific explanations regarding their individual impact on Sanderson's writing. While the author's blog post mentions that each game offers a lesson in areas like pacing , character arcs , or innovative mechanics, the report does not specify which lesson applies to which title. For instance, while the connection between Breath of the Wild and non-linear storytelling is clear, the specific appeal of League of Legends or Borderlands 2 remains unexamined. Readers are left to wonder whether the multiple mentions of Mass Effect refer to its character development or its broader world-building capabilities.
Comments 0