The following is a template or guide to doing a theme analysis at the start of your game design process.

Introduction

  • Game Selection: Briefly introduce the game selected for analysis, including its developer, release year, a short description of its setting and storyline and why you’ve chosen these games.
  • Purpose of Analysis: State the objectives of the theme analysis. Explain why understanding the game’s themes is important for both the gameplay experience and its narrative depth in relation to your own game.

Theme Identification

  • Primary Themes: Identify the main themes of the game. Themes could range from abstract concepts like love, war, and survival, to more concrete ideas like environmentalism, technology, or societal collapse.
  • Supporting Themes: Note any secondary or supporting themes that complement or contrast with the main themes. Explain how these themes interconnect.

Theme Development

  • Narrative and Storytelling: Analyze how the game’s narrative, including its plot, characters, dialogue, and setting, develops and explores the themes.
  • Visual and Audio Design: Examine how the game’s visuals (art style, color palette, character and environment design) and audio (music, sound effects, voice acting) reinforce the game’s themes.
  • Gameplay Mechanics: Discuss how the gameplay mechanics, including puzzles, combat, exploration, and player choices, reflect and enhance the thematic elements.

Theme Impact

  • Player Experience: Evaluate how the themes influence the player’s emotional response and engagement with the game. Consider how themes add depth to the gameplay and narrative.
  • Societal and Cultural Relevance: Consider the game’s themes in the context of societal and cultural discussions. Discuss how the game’s treatment of its themes resonates with or challenges real-world issues.

Comparative Analysis

  • Similar Games: Compare and contrast the thematic exploration of the selected game with other games that share similar themes. Discuss what sets the chosen game apart in its thematic treatment.
  • Evolution of Themes: If applicable, discuss how the themes have been developed or evolved in sequels, prequels, or other games by the same developer.

Conclusion

  • Summary of Findings: Summarize the main themes of the game and their significance within the game’s narrative and gameplay experience.
  • Implications for Your Game: Conclude with thoughts on how thematic analysis can influence your game design and narrative development.

References

  • Sources: List all sources used in the analysis, ensuring to follow appropriate academic referencing standards.

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