Fantastic Flaws

This column is a reprint from Unwinnable Monthly #182. If you like what you see, grab the magazine for less than ten dollars, or subscribe and get all future magazines for half price.

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Architecture and games.

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When it comes to videogames, fantasy architecture has long been a cornerstone of worldbuilding, capturing imaginations with its grandeur and mystery. From the towering spires of gothic castles to the flowing, organic beauty of art nouveau cityscapes, videogames have long since transported players to otherworldly realms where every structure tells a story.

While these architectural styles have deep roots in real traditions, their enduring presence in the fantasy genre is on the other hand more a testament to their power to evoke emotion, create atmosphere and define the identity of their worlds than a marker of real innovation or development. Fantasy architecture certainly has a timeless beauty, but I for one can’t help wondering if games are trapped within the assumptions of the genre.

Gothicism has always held a special place in fantasy, captivating with its dramatic form and evocative atmosphere. Videogame series like Castlevania have presented us with sprawling, shadowy castles filled with pointed arches, vaulted ceilings and ominous gargoyles. These places felt and continue to feel alive, their architecture exuding history, danger and a mysterious allure. The gothic style is not only decorative but deeply ingrained into the story of these games, reflecting the various themes of power, decay and of course the eternal battle between light and darkness.

Dark Souls went on to elevate gothic architecture to new heights, crafting intricately detailed cathedrals and ruins which felt both ancient and somehow strangely sacred. Each structure is a character in its own right, silently telling stories of forgotten civilizations and otherworldly tales of long lost glory. These environments create a sense of awe and respect for the artistry behind them, while challenging you to navigate their labyrinthine layouts and uncover their sometimes absurdly hidden secrets. Elden Ring took things a step further.

The success of gothic architecture in videogames remains within its ability to evoke profound emotions like wonder, reverence and even fear. The towering heights and intricate stonework resulted in spaces that felt larger than life, reminding you of the conflict between human ambition and the forces of nature. In other words, classic or even classical concerns.

If gothic architecture embodies mystery and majesty, art nouveau brings a sense of elegance and whimsy to fantasy worlds. With its flowing lines, organic motifs and harmonious integration with natural motifs, the style has become beloved in games which seek to capture a sense of magic and wonder. In Final Fantasy IX for example, the city of Alexandria comes alive with art nouveau influences, from its curving facades to its delicate, floral designs. The style invites you into a world of fairytales where every corner feels imbued with beauty and possibility.

The softer, more decorative approach of the style provides a striking contrast to the weighty solemnity of gothic architecture, creating a sense of lightness and joy, making it an ideal choice for settings which emphasize exploration, discovery and for lack of a better term, fantasy. Videogames like Ni no Kuni and Child of Light use art nouveau to craft dreamlike environments which transport you to realms where magic feels almost as essential as air.

What makes art nouveau so impactful in videogames would have to be its ability to create a seamless connection between the built environment and the natural world. This architectural style invites you to see structures not as being separate from nature but as an extension of the world around you, a vision of harmony and balance which resonates deeply in fantasy storytelling.

Across the decades, fantasy architecture has remained remarkably consistent within its core styles, but this consistency is less a limitation and more a reflection of enduring appeal. Gothic and art nouveau architecture has become a timeless hallmark of the fantasy genre, their visual language being instantly recognizable and deeply evocative. They anchor you in a world which feels both familiar and fantastical, allowing you to focus on the storytelling, gameplay and of course the emotional experiences which make each game unique.

Videogames excel at the use of architecture as a tool for storytelling. The crumbling castles in Shadow of the Colossus for example speak to a world steeped in loss and mystery, while the vibrant art nouveau and gothic towns in Breath of the Wild offer a sense of hope and renewal. These spaces are never static but invite exploration, reflection and connection, drawing you into their narrative with each and every step.

The gothic and art nouveau styles remain iconic, but many games have found ways to blend these styles with other influences, creating fresh interpretations that keep fantasy worlds vibrant and engaging. Bloodborne for example merges gothic architecture with Victorian and Edwardian styles, crafting a cityscape which is both familiar and strangely unsettling. The towering cathedrals and shadowy alleys feel alive, their design amplifying the game’s themes of madness and of course existential dread.

In much the same way, Ori and the Blind Forest draws inspiration from art nouveau but infuses everything with a bioluminescent glow, creating ethereal environments which feel at once organic and alien. These subtle innovations demonstrate the versatility of these styles and their ability to evolve without losing their essence. I could of course go on about the influence from science fiction, but that’s definitely another story.

The rise of indie games introduced new approaches to fantasy architecture, with titles like Gris and Hollow Knight embracing minimalist or stylized designs focused on mood and emotion, as opposed to intricate detail. These games show that fantasy architecture can be just as impactful when it breaks from tradition, offering you a brand new way to connect with a given game world.

The possibilities for fantasy architecture have never ceased to grow, developers now having the technology and tools to create environments which are not only visually stunning but also interactive and responsive. There’s room for greater imagination when it comes to architectural influence, the possibility space for fantasy architecture being just about as boundless as the worlds which it helps to create. Blending tradition with innovation, developers could and should continue to inspire awe and curiosity, crafting spaces which invite you to dream, believe and lose yourself in the magic of their game worlds. I only hope that more games look beyond the constraints of genre, building upwards rather than outwards from their obvious roots in gothic and art nouveau.

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Justin Reeve is an archaeologist specializing in architecture, urbanism and spatial theory, but he can frequently be found writing about videogames, too.