Symbolic Naming in Games: The Power of Significance Have you ever played a game that made you wonder about the names of the characters or the locations? The truth is, game developers often put a lot of thought into the symbolic meaning of the names they choose. These names not only add depth to the game, but they also have a psychological impact on the player. For instance, take the game Assassin's Creed. The title alone already implies a sense of secrecy and danger. The game is about assassins who have a creed – a set of beliefs and values they live by. The word "creed" itself represents something sacred and unquestionable, and this adds weight to the actions of the assassins in the game. It also creates an underlying tone of resistance against authority, which is a central theme of the game. Another example is the game Horizon Zero Dawn. The title itself already hints at a sense of unknown, and the game's backstory reveals that the world has been taken over by machines. The word "horizon" implies an infinite distance, which gives a sense of vastness and the feeling that anything can happen beyond that point. The "zero dawn" part of the title refers to a catastrophic event that wiped out humanity, but also implies the beginning of a new era. This name sets the tone for the game's exploration, discovery, and survival themes. In the game Bioshock, the city is named Rapture, which is a word that means a state of being overcome by emotions, typically joy or happiness. However, in the game, Rapture is anything but joyful. It's a ruined underwater city that has descended into madness and chaos. The name gives the player a sense of a grand, utopian ideal that has gone wrong, and heightens the feeling of despair and horror throughout the game. In conclusion, choosing a symbolic name that carries significance and meaning can add depth to a game, and can even affect the player's mood and emotions. These names are not just mere labels, but can deeply impact the experience of the player. So next time you're playing a game, take a moment to appreciate the thought that went into choosing the names of the characters, locations, and even titles.