We Need to Talk About Magic in Games

Magic systems in video games are due for a change and also is our thinking about it.

We're diving deep into the world of magic systems in video games and exploring why traditional spellcasting mechanics, like the ubiquitous fireball, often feel repetitive and uninspired. From Skyrim's unchanging fireball spell to innovative approaches in games like Magicka 2 and Divinity: Original Sin 2, we’ll examine how different games handle magic and why it's time for an evolution.

Magic in video games has been a staple for decades, but many games still rely on outdated systems. We’ll analyze how classic games like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Dark Age of Camelot use traditional mana pools and portrayed spells, while newer titles like Magicka 2 and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild push the boundaries with innovative mechanics.

Join me as we explore how these games handle magic differently and what makes their systems stand out. I’ll also discuss potential future directions for magic in games, from procedurally generated spells to environmental and narrative integration.

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Featured games in order of appearance:

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011, Bethesda Game Studios)
World of Warcraft (2004, Blizzard Entertainment)
Diablo 2: Resurrected (2021, Blizzard Entertainment)
Magicka 2 (2015, Arrowhead Game Studios)
Path of Exile (2013, Grinding Gear Games)
Guild Wars 2 (2012, ArenaNet)
The Elder Scrolls Online (2014, ZeniMax Online Studios)
Dark Age of Camelot (2001, Mythic Entertainment)
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017, Nintendo EPD)
Final Fantasy X (2001, Squaresoft)
Final Fantasy VI (1994, Squaresoft)
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn (2013, Square Enix)
Divinity: Original Sin 2 (2017, Larian Studios)
Black Desert Online (2014, Pearl Abyss)
Spellbreak (2020, Proletariat, Inc.)
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (2024)
Throne and Liberty (EU/NA 2024, NCsoft)
Dragon's Dogma 2 (2024, Capcom)
Path of Exile 2 (tba, Grinding Gear Games)
Hogwarts Legacy (2023, Avalanche Software, Shiver Entertainment)
Okami (2006, Clover Studio)
Shadow of the Colossus (2005, Team Ico)
Journey (2012, Thatgamecompany)
Noita (2020, Nolla Games)
Black and White (2001, Lionhead Studios)
Elden Ring (2022, FromSoftware)

Featured movies in order of appearance:
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2013)

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CONTENT:
00:00 - About Fireballs
00:59 - About Magic
02:13 - Traditional Magic
02:53 - Evolving Traditional Magic
04:01 - Conceptual Magic
05:54 - Narrative-Driven Magic
07:20 - Impactful Magic
08:51 - Final Thoughts

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