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Lanon Wee

Exploring the Growing Realism of Weather in Video Games

For those in wintery regions, you may find yourself questioning why game developers would try to recreate the outdoor weather conditions; however, that is exactly what many of them are attempting to do. Studios are striving to create more realistic and immersive experiences, which includes incorporating wet, wild and stormy conditions in their projects. Speculation about a "dynamic weather system" in Grand Theft Auto 6 has sparked a discussion among gamers about what could be. Evaporation rates and high pressure zones don't appear to be the ingredients for a joyful experience, but the creators of a renowned racing game may well differ. The launch of the latest instalment of Xbox exclusive Forza Motorsport was marked by a big emphasis on its sophisticated weather systems. Competitors can compete in varying weather conditions such as sunny, misty and wet, all of which can have consequences on elements like clarity and how the automobile handles. The Forza series strives to replicate the experience of real-world driving, with creative director Chris Esaki informing BBC Newsbeat that progress in simulating weather has been beneficial. He remarks that driving a car is a different experience when it's raining. Weather is an integral factor to consider when we are constructing a detailed and fun set of challenges. Chris states that precise re-enactment enhances the feeling of being there. He remarks that there is an explanation conveyed through lighting and climatic conditions. The combination of those two circumstances can produce dramatic tension. Chris, an environmental science graduate turned games developer, believes that the upcoming games will be even more evolved, resembling the formation of weather in the natural environment. Such aspects as evaporation speed, regions with high and low pressure, and the production of clouds have an influence on the level of engagement and immersion that the game offers. While games featuring driving are generally considered to be the most likely to utilize sophisticated weather technology, other types of games have been making use of it as well. Sega's Total War: Pharaoh carries on the Total War series' hallmark of gradually constructing an empire, supervising resources and engaging in wars across a multi-year venture. Weather has always posed a challenge to gamers, however, Creative Assembly from the UK has intensified matters with its most recent game. Instead of relying on historical records to determine conditions as in previous Total War games, Pharaoh introduces a dynamic system which introduces more randomness. Bozhidar Staykov, the battle designer of the game, based at the development studio in Sofia, Bulgaria, states that this results in a greater variety of situations when circumstances vary in the middle of the fight. He states that at times it can be really sunny, typical weather. In a matter of seconds, a sandstorm can hit the battlefield, leaving generals to quickly think on their feet and adjust their plans to meet the new conditions. Bozhidar indicated that the weather has a more authentic interaction with the environment, causing changes to the landscapes of the maps in real-time. Players may experience reduced visibility, less effectiveness of missiles, and troops of soldiers having difficulty moving due to heavy rain. He states that the land is no longer dry, and it has become mud, which means it is now more difficult to move around. What are the implications for players? Known to his 12,000 Twitch followers as Lionheartx10, Todd is well-known for his streaming of Total War games, including his strategic decisions and empire-building. He is generally supportive of the alterations that have been made to Pharaoh, yet he maintains that it is critical that accuracy is not sacrificed in pursuit of entertainment. He states that a balance must be struck between realism and convenience when adding game mechanics, so players are not overwhelmed. Lionheart believes that improved precision in the Total War franchise can likely lead to more educated people. He states that it's unusual to hear someone mention education and gaming together, yet these activities allow one to gain both. Growing up engaged with Total War games kindled Lionheart's curiosity and prompted him to research and learn more about Medieval history at university. He states that the games he was playing gave him a great urge to learn more about the settings of them. Prof Anne Lawrence-Mathers of Reading University, an expert on the history of meteorology and magic, acknowledges that weather has become increasingly prominent in games - which is not surprising considering the long-standing human interest in the topic. She explains that when employing it in a historical context, it can "test assumptions that people in the past were not as astute as us". She mentioned that astronomers had been present for centuries, studying the night skies and documenting their findings on clay tablets. As far back as thousands of years ago, people were mapping out the trajectories of certain planets and stars, in addition to noting the type of weather associated with them when they were visible in the sky, according to Prof Anne. What consistently stands out to me is the significance of weather forecasts throughout history. You can hear Newsbeat live on weekdays at 12:45 and 17:45, or replay the broadcast here.

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