Game sequels are an integral part of the gaming industry, offering developers the opportunity to expand upon beloved worlds and build upon the foundation laid by their predecessors. Expanding a popular game universe is not just about repeating the same Cwin formula, but about evolving the story, characters, mechanics, and settings in ways that engage both returning fans and new players. In this article, we will discuss how developers successfully expand popular game universes through sequels, ensuring that they remain fresh, innovative, and compelling.
1. Building on Established Lore and Characters
One of the first ways developers expand a popular game universe in sequels is by deepening the lore and evolving existing characters. Fans of successful game franchises often have a strong emotional attachment to the characters and storylines of the original game. By continuing to explore the histories and motivations of key characters, developers can keep the narrative engaging and dynamic.
For example, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015) took the rich lore from the previous games and expanded it into a sprawling, interconnected world filled with myth, politics, and moral complexity. Characters like Geralt of Rivia were given further depth, with player choices impacting the storyline in meaningful ways. Sequels that build on the established lore not only satisfy fans but also enrich the game universe, adding layers of complexity and intrigue.
2. Expanding the World and Environments
A crucial part of expanding a game universe in a sequel is increasing the scope of the game world. As technology advances, sequels have the opportunity to explore larger, more detailed environments that immerse players in expansive new settings. A new world or region often provides fresh gameplay experiences, whether it’s a new continent, city, or dimension.
For instance, in Assassin’s Creed II (2009), the developers expanded the game’s world beyond the first game’s limited environments, taking players through iconic Italian cities like Florence, Venice, and Rome. Similarly, Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018) offered players a vast, living world with stunning detail, from the snowy mountain ranges to the bustling towns and forests. These additions and expansions enhance the overall experience, giving players more places to explore and new stories to uncover.
3. Introducing New Gameplay Mechanics and Features
While sequels typically maintain the core gameplay mechanics that made the original game successful, they also offer opportunities to introduce new mechanics, systems, and features. This evolution of gameplay can keep the experience fresh and engaging, preventing it from becoming repetitive. Developers can add new combat systems, exploration mechanics, multiplayer features, or even entirely new genres within the same universe.
For example, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017) introduced open-world exploration to the Zelda series, offering a new level of freedom that was not present in previous titles. This innovation was a significant shift in gameplay that revitalized the series while maintaining the franchise’s core elements, such as puzzle-solving and combat. By incorporating new mechanics, developers can breathe new life into a game universe, making it feel fresh and exciting for both veterans and newcomers.
4. Expanding Narrative Arcs and Adding New Plotlines
In order to keep fans invested, sequels often introduce new narrative arcs or explore untold stories from the original game. Developers expand the universe by delving into side characters’ backgrounds, exploring new locations, and building new conflicts that intertwine with the overarching storyline. These plot expansions help to maintain continuity while offering new challenges and perspectives.
In Mass Effect 2 (2010), for example, the developers expanded on the complex relationships and backstories of the crew members introduced in the first game. The story also took on a new, darker tone, exploring themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and trust, which elevated the narrative stakes and kept players hooked. Game sequels can build upon the original plot while adding new layers of complexity and intrigue, keeping the universe fresh and unpredictable.
5. Leveraging Fan Feedback and Community Input
One of the most effective ways to expand a game universe in sequels is by listening to fan feedback. Game developers can observe how players engage with the original game, what they loved, and what they felt could be improved. By incorporating this feedback into sequels, developers can create a more tailored experience that resonates with the player base.
For instance, No Man’s Sky (2016) had a rocky launch, but its developers, Hello Games, listened to player feedback and released multiple updates that dramatically improved the game. Over time, new features such as multiplayer, base-building, and a richer variety of planets helped the game grow into a more expansive and immersive universe, thanks to a dedicated response to community demands. Listening to fans and adapting the universe to suit their expectations can be a powerful tool in ensuring the success of a game sequel.
6. Expanding Multiplayer and Online Features
Many game developers expand their game universe through sequels by enhancing or introducing multiplayer and online features. These additions allow players to experience the game world in new ways, collaborate with others, and even shape the story together. Multiplayer expansions can help keep a game relevant for years, providing fresh content and replayability.
The Elder Scrolls Online (2014) took the popular Elder Scrolls universe, known for its single-player RPG experiences, and transformed it into an expansive MMORPG. This expansion allowed players to explore the world of Tamriel with friends, adding a new dimension to the beloved franchise. By expanding into online and multiplayer territories, developers can make their game universes feel more alive and connected, enhancing both social interaction and overall engagement.
7. Staying True to Core Themes and Identity
While expanding the game universe, it’s crucial for developers to stay true to the core themes and identity of the original game. Sequels that stray too far from the essence of what made the original game successful can disappoint fans and feel disconnected. Maintaining the balance between evolution and staying grounded in the game’s identity is key to retaining the spirit of the original while pushing the universe forward.
For example, Halo 3 (2007) expanded the Halo universe with new weapons, enemies, and an epic conclusion to the trilogy while still keeping the core elements of fast-paced combat and large-scale battles. Developers who respect the original game’s DNA while expanding its universe are more likely to create sequels that resonate with both new and returning players.
Conclusion
Expanding a popular game universe in a sequel is a delicate balance between maintaining the essence of the original game and introducing fresh, innovative elements. By deepening character development, expanding the world, introducing new gameplay features, and evolving the story, developers can create sequels that enrich the universe and keep players engaged. Listening to fan feedback and staying true to the core identity of the game also plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of sequels. Ultimately, the most successful game universes are those that evolve thoughtfully while staying connected to the heart of what made the original game so beloved.