Sci-Fi or science fiction, has several defining characteristics. Although the setting might change, it is generally accepted that Sci-fi has some or all of these factors:
- Fictional worlds.
- Space travel and/or exploration.
- Teleportation.
- Aliens, mutants, unknown beings or, extraterrestrial lifeforms.
Often set in the future, a different universe, or a new dimension. We will also usually see technology and science that we currently don’t have.
The human element comes from the experience or discovery of new technology, science, or theories.
While sci-fi was predominantly found in comics and novels, over time, it moved into movies, music videos, and gaming.
Of course, who doesn’t want to explore and try new technologies and dream about the future possibilities?
One of the first notable sci-fi movies was Le Voyage dans la Lune, Georges Méliès in 1902. It used trick photography to show a journey to the moon.
The World Science Fiction Society brought sci-fi lovers together, and in 1953 the first Hugo Awards were given.
Space Invaders broke new ground in 1978 and became the first science fiction game that gathered a commercial audience. However, Spacewar! Is noted as the first space game developed in 1962.
And now? We have Travis Scott collaborating with Fortnite to perform for 12 million people live and 27 million people total. A virtual concert, in-game packed with futuristic optics.
Seeing huge rap stars in-game with incredibly high production value show there is a huge market for sci-fi, and we should expect to see more of it.
The most popular Sci-Fi games
Because Sci-Fi can cover so many different styles, it is hard to commit to a definitive top list. Sci-Fi spans across different consoles, co-ops, slots, gambling, solo, first-person shooters, and simulations.
Here are some of the most popular from across the board.
Control
An often senseless game that leaves many players confused for a short while. Sci-fi is so good at breaking the rules as we know them and delivering them differently.
New rules to be learned, and places where there are no rules at all.
Without giving too much away, it takes a topic that would blow our minds to prove as true and shows that over time - everything becomes normal.
You’ll move through space and time, all the while learning the rules and understanding that the people who seek control might never be able to grasp the otherworldly.
Control is an immersive game and can be challenging at times. It has a rich backstory and lore, and it’s better to go at it all guns blazing.
Arcader
As the name suggests, Arcader is an arcade-style game. It feels like Space Invaders but has all of the regular markers of a modern and exciting new slot game.
The 80s style soundtrack makes this sci-fi slot feel like some of the original 80s game releases. If you had the joy of playing the ZX Spectrum and the Commodore 64, then you’ll enjoy this pixelated game.
Like other slots, you can enjoy themed free spins, multipliers, sticky wilds, and an exciting twist. Pink Me Mystery Game offers players the chance to win over 100 times your initial stake.
A space-themed hit that feels like you’re in the arcade in the summertime.
Like many other big game developers, slot providers realized that sci-fi is one of the fastest-growing gaming areas. And with the slots market becoming highly competitive, new to the market slot providers need to try and attract players to their site which has meant that they have expanded their range of themes to meet the player's needs.
Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic 2
Set a few thousand years before the Star Wars film, this mobile game has everything a sci-fi lover needs.
You’ll get easter eggs from films and series like The Mandalorian - as well as some others!
For a mobile game, it brings a lot of backstory and emotiveness. You’ll see and feel how conflict changes one of the most essential characters in the game.
You can pause and put the game down for a while, making this the perfect commuting game.
Unlike some mobile games, this one aged well, and the fact it is Star Wars makes it all the more interesting.
Dual Universe
If you want to make spaceships and explore the depth of space with hundreds of other players, then Dual Universe is the perfect game.
The universe is shared with all of the players, and it is the players that control the economy.
A voxel-based game that is entirely editable. For example, you can write custom code to create functions and curate your spaceships.
The future of Sci-Fi gaming
Some of the technology that was imagined up and added into sci-fi novels and movies is now a reality.
Developers and designers have access to tools to make their imaginations come to life, creating space-scapes closer to the real thing and more unbelievable.
The future of sci-fi gaming is likely to further explore the possibilities of VR, letting people experience space in a more immersive way.
An exciting conversation surrounding the virtual concert arena was started after Travis Scott’s Fortnight Extravaganza. Although we had seen virtual concerts before by Bjork and Gorillaz, the combination of music and an audience this big, within a game was new.
A cross-over between movies, games, and music is entirely possible – giving new layers to the sci-fi experience.
Whatever happens, it is going to be otherworldly!
