As you journey through the richly woven tapestry of different cultures in the game, what’s most striking is how deeply their values shape the experience. Take the Aedyrans, for instance. They’re a society steeped in ideals of authority, leadership, and order. Imagine the challenges they face trying to blend these principles into the untamed, sprawling expanse of Eora’s greatest frontier. It’s fascinating to watch as they might begin with small changes, perhaps tweaking their attire or altering their lifestyle, in order to adapt to the rugged and lawless “Wild West” of the Living Lands. In such a place, rigidity often yields to the necessities of survival.
Patel highlights this interplay between belief and action, pointing out how one’s devotion to a particular deity—like Woedica, the goddess of law and order—colors their priorities. Revering Woedica means placing law and justice above all else, while a worshipper of Abydon, the Smith, might favor industry and hard work. This nuanced layering of values into factions makes each group distinctive, guiding players in understanding their core principles and identities.
Furthermore, these cultural distinctions vividly come to life in the game’s architecture and costume design, evoking a sense of unity and continuity. “It’s like this world is a living entity,” shares Lead Environment Artist Dennis Presnell. He talks about the dynamic, ever-evolving creative process, where team members build upon each other’s ideas, crafting an expansive, vibrant world rich with detail. The outcome is a seamlessly integrated, authentic universe, brimming with diversity and color, where each element feels natural and true to its roots.
