When done right, video game universes become playgrounds for countless stories. From the sprawling mythologies of Mortal Kombat to the interwoven sagas of Halo and StarCraft, extended universes thrive in interactive media because players don’t just watch—they shape the world. Here are ten tips for building an extended universe in games.
1. Define a Core Gameplay Fantasy
Extended universes in games work best when tied to a clear fantasy. Halo = being a super-soldier. Mortal Kombat = being the ultimate fighter. Nail the central fantasy so every expansion feels connected.
2. Make the World Bigger Than the Player
Players should sense that the universe is bigger than their character. Warhammer 40K does this brilliantly—you’re just one piece in an endless war. Build background lore, factions, and conflicts that continue regardless of what the player does.
3. Expand Across Genres
Great extended universes escape their original genre. Halo has shooters, strategy games, and novels. The Witcher went from RPG to card battler (Gwent) to Netflix series. Design your lore to be flexible across mediums.
4. Encourage Player Theories
Mystery fuels engagement. Dark Souls and Destiny thrive because fans debate what’s “really happening.” Leave gaps, contradictions, and hidden clues. Fans will do the heavy lifting of expanding your universe.
5. Factions and Playstyles
Factions give players identity. Magic: The Gathering colors, Halo’s UNSC vs Covenant, Mortal Kombat’s realms—each offers unique gameplay and lore. A faction system makes expansion natural.
6. Balance Power Levels
Extended universes can collapse if power creep takes over. Dragon Ball often struggles here. Mortal Kombat balances god-tier fighters with grounded martial artists. When expanding, keep power varied so every tier of character has stories worth telling.
7. Evolve Through Events
Games thrive on live events. Fortnite and Destiny tell lore through seasonal arcs, while Halo used novels to bridge games. Use big events—wars, cataclysms, alliances breaking—to push your universe forward.
8. Character Longevity vs. Legacy
Do you want immortal icons (Master Chief, Scorpion) or generational legacies (Assassin’s Creed)? Decide early. Both approaches work, but consistency matters.
9. Let Players Influence the Universe
Unlike books, games can give agency. Mass Effect let player choices ripple across the galaxy. Even smaller games can track community actions that shape future lore. When players feel part of the expansion, loyalty skyrockets.
10. Plan for Spin-Offs
Spin-offs keep universes alive between main titles. Halo Wars expanded lore while delivering new gameplay. Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks deepened its characters. A rich universe naturally spawns spin-offs if the foundation is strong.
Final Word:
Extended universes in games succeed when they balance lore with interactivity. Keep the world alive with mysteries, factions, and branching stories—but never forget: the player is the ultimate co-creator.
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