Magic in Games - From Dungeons & Dragons to Modern Times

Today I'll take you on a journey through the history of magical systems in games! While designing mechanics for my new game, I spent quite a bit of time researching different solutions (and played way too many hours of Divinity in the process 😅). Let's explore together what makes some magic systems so engaging and satisfying!

From Board Games to Digital Games

Before magic made its way into computer games (yes, such times existed! 😱), it reigned in the world of RPG board games. Dungeons & Dragons, the true grandfather of all RPGs, introduced concepts that continue to shape magic systems to this day:

• Vancian System - or "prepare spells before the adventure and pray you chose correctly" 🙏
• Division of spells into levels of difficulty and power
• Schools of magic (who else always chose necromancy? 👻)
• Spell components (verbal, material, somatic)

These elements later appeared in the first cRPGs. But game developers quickly started to experiment in their own ways... and that's a good thing!

Revolutionary Approaches

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (2002) - Spell Creator and Survival

Remember the spell creator from Morrowind? 🤔 When I first saw it, I thought it was some kind of hocus-pocus, but no - it was a real system for creating your own spells! It introduced a personalization approach that fits perfectly with survival mechanics:

• Creating custom spells (e.g., "I Won't Freeze Today" spell protecting against cold)
• Power balancing (stronger effects = higher mana cost)
• Equipment enhancement system (useful sleeping bag +5 to surviving frosty nights? Why not!)
• Exploration assistance (levitation was OP, let's be honest 😄)

Dragon Age: Origins (2009) - Cooperative Magic

BioWare showed us how to cleverly combine different systems:

• Elemental interactions (perfect for survival - wet wood? No problem! 🔥)
• Resource gathering spells (wouldn't such a helper be useful in the mine? 🪨)
• Creating enhanced items
• Character development affecting casting style

Modern Systems

Divinity: Original Sin 2 (2017) - The World is Alive!

Larian Studios created something brilliant - a system where the environment is just as important as the spells:

• Terrain shaping (building magical fortresses! 🏰)
• Chain reactions (rain + lightning = epic combo!)
• Tactical use of height
• Brewing potions and elixirs

What Am I Planning for My Project?

Drawing inspiration from all these great games, in my project I want to combine:

1. Survival and Magic:

• Food preservation (zero wasted food! 🥘)
• Magical shelters and fortifications
• Protection against the elements
• Rituals using ingredients from the environment (yes, you'll be exploring in search of rare herbs! 🌿)

2. Simple Start, Deep Development:

• Basic survival spells available from the beginning
• Advanced combinations for true wizard geeks
• Magical tool creation system
• Character development linked with survival skills

3. Elements from Your Favorite Games:

• Random recipes and formulas (each playthrough will be different!)
• Diverse biomes with their unique ingredients
• Reactive environment
• Comprehensive crafting system

What Do You Think?

What experiences do you have with magic in survival games? 🤔 Which solutions appealed to you the most? What spells would be most useful in the struggle for survival according to you?

Catch me on social media - you know where to find me! 😉

Until next time! Bajo! 👋