Game worlds and creativity: The challenges of procedural content generation

Abstract

Videogames have evolved considerably over the last few years in terms of content creation and the possibilities provided by the evolution of hardware and software capabilities. As independent studios rise in popularity and distribution becomes available for the general audience (De Jong 2013), developers large and small focus on creating enduring game experiences with perceivable value for customers. One of the most commonly used methods of generating additional content for a game is procedural generation, which consists of using algorithms and modular game assets to create seemingly endless game areas, characters or challenges (Shaker et al. 2016). While this allows developers to increase game content, the use of procedural content generation also creates some challenges in terms of game balance, narrative quality and several other aspects intrinsic to game design. This paper analyses previous studies in procedural content generation. In addition, it discusses the impact of procedural generation in the creative process of game-making, proposing a “less-is-more” approach to increase value by investing in content quality over content quantity.