When we think of architects, visions of skyscrapers, serene landscapes, or even intricate sets of Hollywood blockbusters come to mind. After all, some of the most memorable movie settings were created by the architect Ken Adams—think of those iconic evil lairs in Bond films. But what if we told you that architects are also carving a niche in the dynamic world of video game design?
It might sound surprising, but it does make perfect sense when one looks closer. A quiet symbiosis between video games and architecture has been blossoming. One in which both disciplines speak to each other through a shared language of creativity, design and immersive storytelling. Games such as Minecraft and The Sims will let you be the architect of your own worlds, while the architects themselves can help create stunningly realistic and imaginative game environments.
Architects who went into game design
Architects bring a unique perspective to the design of video games. Their training in spatial dynamics, materiality and lighting equips them to craft game environments that feel as immersive as they are visually striking. For example, Maria Elisa Navarro, an architect and academic, applied her expertise to ensure historical accuracy in the architectural landscapes of Assassin’s Creed II. She helped bring Renaissance-era cities to life and gave players an authentic glimpse into history. Similarly, Jose Sanchez, the designer of Block’hood, created a game that resonates with the ecological complication of urban building. He combined an architectural background with his personal passion for sustainability.
These architects—and many others—prove how their training allows them to dream up spaces that are not only visually grabbing but also playable.
6 architecture games you should try
While architects are designing for games, many titles also let players step into the role of an architect. Some fan favorites include:
Minecraft
A sandbox game where players build everything from humble homes to massive cities block by block.
Cities: Skylines
A city-building simulation that challenges players to efficiently design an urban environment that will thrive.
The Sims
A life simulation game with an emphasis on creating and decorating homes.
Terraria
A 2D-sandbox adventure wherein the player can create highly intricate structures and landscaping on a huge map.
Planet Coaster
This game offers tools to craft roller coasters and park layouts for aspiring theme park designers.
Stardew Valley
Although this is primarily a farming simulation, players can also design and customize their farms, houses and even community spaces in this game.
Each of these games taps into that universal human urge to shape our surroundings digitally and otherwise.
Bridging worlds: Architecture meets video games
The most exciting innovations come from the junction of architecture and video games. As these technologies of VR and AR continuously evolve, architects are looking at ways to push the boundaries in both streams. Visualize being able to walk through the virtual city that an architect has created before it’s built, or playing a game in which everything behaves just like it would in real-life physics and material.
At IE University, these synergies are more than theoretical. With programs such as the Bachelor in Design: Videogame Design and Virtual Environments track and the Bachelor in Architecture, students are called upon to think holistically and apply their skills across industries. By fostering creativity and interdisciplinary learning, we equip future architects to excel in both physical and virtual realms.
Be it setting the ground for a state-of-the-art skyscraper or designing the world of the next great video game, architecture and video games prove to be a match made in design heaven. And at IE University, this is a vision come true.