Videogame Architecture Building Virtual Spaces

Luke Caspar Pearson, Sandra Youkhana, John Romero

The long-awaited follow up to Videogame Atlas, this fascinating look at the art of virtual worldbuilding delves into the evocative architectural spaces of some of the most iconic videogames from the last three decades. 

Videogame Architecture presents an exhilarating journey through twelve popular videogame worlds via detailed architectural plans, maps, 3D renderings, exploded diagrams, and stunning full-color in-game photography. Following the success of Videogame Atlas, this book provides a more in-depth look at some of the most beloved virtual worlds using the practices and academic rigor that underpin real-world architectural theory.

Games such as Disco Elysium, Elden Ring, Yakuza Kiwami, Grim Fandango, and The Sims 4 are explored in exhaustive detail through comprehensive architectural plans and intricate illustrations, each with supporting technical information and commentary. Moving through these spaces, the book evokes both the game experience itself and new perspectives on these iconic places. A vibrant inspiration for gamers, creatives, and architects of both real world and virtual spaces, Videogame Architecture draws from experimental architectural monographs and videogame guides of the 1990s.

Written by leading experts in the field, Sandra Youkhana and Luke Caspar Pearson, Videogame Architecture offers a unique insight into some of the most distinctive built environments of the videogame world.

Contributors

Luke Caspar Pearson

Author

Luke Caspar Pearson is an architectural designer who runs the studio, You + Pea. Together with Sandra Youkhana, Luke founded the Videogame Urbanism studio at the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London that promotes the use of game technologies in architectural education. Their work explores the integration of videogame technologies into architectural design, leading conversations on how games can engage new participants in the design of cities.

Sandra Youkhana

Author

Sandra Youkhana is an architectural designer who runs the studio, You + Pea. Together with Luke Caspar Pearson, Sandra founded the Videogame Urbanism studio at the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London that promotes the use of game technologies in architectural education. Their work explores the integration of videogame technologies into architectural design, leading conversations on how games can engage new participants in the design of cities.

John Romero

Foreword By