Science fiction as a genre has been popular since the 19th century, but there are examples of sci-fi writing dating back much further. The human race has always had a fascination with the ideas that Science fiction presents, such as new imagined technology, world, alien species, and things that wouldn’t be possible in the real world.
In modern times, sci-fi gaming has blossomed as one of the most popular game genres and it builds on the early foundations of this genre. These games have taken settings and ideas from novels into the virtual world.
As the popularity of sci-fi games has grown, it’s interesting to look at the cultural impact this genre has and what it has allowed society to do.
Examples of popular sci-fi online games
Some of the most popular games of all time are part of the sci-fi genre. As a result, there is a heap of sci-fi games that millions of people play around the world. Here are some iconic examples:
- Elite: Dangerous
- Apex Legends.
- EVE Online.
- No Man’s Sky.
- Phantasy Star Online 2.
- Star Wars: The Old Republic.
- Warframe.
- Destiny 2.
- Star Trek Online.
Most of these games are still widely played today and titles like No Man’s Sky truly push the limits of the sci-fi genre, with players being able to travel in spaceships and explore entire galaxies of planets. Sci-fi games usually feature alien cultures, awesome technology and weapons, or alternative timelines where the world has developed at a much faster pace than in the 21st century.
Sci-fi gaming is also present in online casinos and sweepstakes casinos as many of these sites feature slots and arcade games that have a sci-fi theme. For example, Crash games usually involve rockets and spaceships, and some of the most beloved slot games of all time like Starburst have a sci-fi motif.
You can find out here how sweepstakes casinos work and about the currencies players use to play the sci-fi-inspired games.
How have these games impacted society and culture?
From the list of games and popular sci-fi franchises like Star Wars and Alien & Predator, you can already see the cultural impact. But, sci-fi gaming in particular has had a unique cultural impact as is seen below.
Being nerdy is not a negative thing anymore
Sci-fi gaming – along with fantasy titles and comic book movies – has generally made being “nerdy” trendy and accepted. The old stereotypes of nerds from American sitcoms and films are incredibly outdated and to be a sci-fi gamer is now just a normal thing.
Essentially, these games are played by millions of people around the world and they have become culturally acceptable so they allow people to be who they truly want to be.
Sci-fi games give us a needed source of escapism
Humans desire escapism and it has been used as a coping mechanism or to give people’s minds a temporary break from stress and real-life issues. Sci-fi games offer an incredible form of escapism for people looking to get a little break.
Players can log onto their online game and explore a far off world or play a sci-fi battle royale game and escape. They can forget about their issues or give their mind peace for a short period of time. This is an invaluable tool in a world where there are increasingly more pressures and stresses, and where mental health is becoming a more serious issue.
They help players broaden their minds
A lesser talked-about impact of sci-fi gaming is how it has helped people broaden their minds and become more accepting. Sci-fi games are typically filled with strange creatures, humanoids, and robots, plus hundreds of different civilizations, cultures, and ideas.
Players take all of this variety in and are fascinated by it, but this also helps the players become more accepting and understanding of different people and cultures in real-life.
Sci-fi continues to dominate gaming, TV, and film
There doesn’t seem to be any slowing down of the sci-fi genre and the different industries it permeates. New sci-fi games are released all the time and although some titles like Starfield have been less than well received, there are hundreds of other sci-fi games that have remained popular for years.
In terms of culture and society, sci-fi gaming has brought this genre to the mainstream and being “nerdy” is no longer frowned upon or seen as a bad thing. Additionally, these games are incredibly popular as they give players a type of escapism where they can explore far off worlds and cultures and use weird and wonderful technology.
This in invertedly helps people be more accepting in the real world and more open to differences and new ideas. Which are good traits to foster in a world that becomes more connected every year.
