Game development is a long, arduous process that requires a steady hand and a clear vision. Having spent years in the industry, I’ve seen projects rise, fall, and sometimes twist themselves into unrecognizable shapes because of external cultural events or newsworthy happenings. If you’re part of a development team today, I’d like to share some insights on why kneejerk reactions to current events can harm your project and why it’s essential to stay focused on timeless design principles.
The Marathon of Game Development
At its quickest, a modern game takes years to develop. AAA titles can take anywhere from three to six years, and even smaller indie projects rarely wrap up in under a year. This means that by the time your game hits the market, any game design decisions you’ve made in response to a cultural moment or newsworthy story may be irrelevant or even forgotten.
For example, let’s say there’s a trending news story about the ethical debate surrounding pitbulls and hamsters. If your game includes these animals and you decide to pivot your design to reference the controversy, you’re setting yourself up for failure. By the time your game is released, the public’s attention will have moved on to another debate, leaving your game’s commentary feeling outdated or awkwardly out of place.
The Timeless Appeal of Fantasy and Alternate Realities
One of the reasons fantasy and alternate reality games consistently perform well is that they transport players away from the burdens of the real world. Players crave escapism. They don’t want to spend their free time immersed in the same political debates or cultural clashes they encounter in daily life. Games are an opportunity to step into another world, not to be reminded of the chaos of this one.
That’s why it’s important to approach any culturally relevant content in a timeless way. If you’re inspired by a current event, think about its broader implications and universal truths. Instead of reacting directly, create something that explores themes rather than specifics. This allows your game to resonate with audiences long after the headlines have faded.
Politics in Games: A Cautionary Tale
There’s been a growing trend of inserting modern politics into games. While games can absolutely tackle political themes, there’s a fine line between creating thought-provoking content and alienating your audience with overt or outdated messaging. Current attitudes and news stories may feel urgent now, but they’ll lose their edge—or worse, become cringeworthy—when your game finally launches.
If you’re developing a game about war, governance, or societal structure, ground your story in universal themes and human experiences rather than specific political figures or trending ideologies. This approach ensures your work feels relevant and engaging no matter when someone picks it up.
We all remember why Star Wars Episodes 1-3 did poorly compared to the other movies in the franchise. It is because they included significant focus in their story on political maneuvering and hysteria. Players, like moviegoers, tend to lose interest when entertainment leans too heavily into complex political narratives without a strong balance of engaging escapism. This is of course unless the subject of the title (movie or game) is created to be about politics or an event.
Games as an Escape Mechanism
The majority of players turn to games for fun, relaxation, and escapism. They want to explore alien worlds, solve challenging puzzles, or embark on heroic quests. They’re not looking for a rehash of last year’s political scandals or social media arguments. Games that become too tied to specific moments in time can feel like lectures, and players quickly lose interest. Think about game design like memes, some just don’t age well.
Unless your game is explicitly a political satire or a direct commentary on current events, keep it timeless. Let players lose themselves in your creation without the baggage of the real world dragging them back down.
Facts Matter—Especially in Historical Games
If you’re creating a history-based game, accuracy is critical. Players who pick up your title expect it to be rooted in real events, not your reinterpretation of history. This doesn’t mean you can’t take creative liberties, but if you’re not making an alternate reality game, ensure your research is thorough and your facts are correct.
Historical games that bend the truth or inject modern narratives into past events risk alienating their audience. They can feel disingenuous and undermine the credibility of your studio. Stay true to history unless your game explicitly sets out to rewrite it as part of the narrative.
Stay the Course
In summary, reacting to cultural or political moments during development is a risky move. It’s like trying to catch a wave that has already crested. By the time you get there, the energy is gone, and you’re left paddling in still water. Instead, focus on timeless themes, universal human experiences, and escapism. These elements have staying power and will resonate with players long after your game hits the shelves.
To my friends still working in the trenches of game development: trust your vision. Resist the temptation to chase fleeting trends. The best games are the ones that stand the test of time, and that happens when you create with clarity, purpose, and a sense of enduring relevance.
More insights, gripes and opinions next time, feel free to connect with me on my social media links below, and don’t forget to save your progress!
Catch up with Ted on Bluesky at @nedskee.bsky.social X @nedskee or his website at www.tahquechi.com
Leave a Reply