Andrew Rollings and Ernest Adams on Game Design

The Dimensions of a Game World

A game's setting and world are defined by many different variables, each of which describes one dimension of the world, one of the aspects of the game's look and feel. To fully define your world and its setting, you need to consider each of these dimensions and answer certain questions about them.

The Physical Dimension

Game settings are almost always implemented as some sort of physical space. The player moves his avatar in and around this space, or moves other pieces, characters, or units in it. The physical characteristics of this space determine a great deal about the gameplay.

Even text adventures include a physical dimension. The player moves from one abstract “room” or other discrete location to another. ...