4 video games with crafts at their core

18 December 2020

Virtual entertainment for the holiday season

18 December 2020

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Crafting is a far-reaching mechanic found in most video games today, allowing players to shape their own experience in an otherwise rigid game environment. But what about games that let you craft – quite literally? From virtual knitting to a potter’s wheel for your smartphone, here are four video games putting a digital spin on our favourite kinds of craft experiences.

Lumino City

As video game graphics continue to reach dizzying new heights, Lumino City is bucking the photorealist trend: everything you see onscreen was made using paper, cardboard and glue. A sumptuous puzzle adventure, Lumino City picks up where its prequel Lume left off as protagonist Lumi is thrust into a hunt for her grandfather after his dramatic kidnapping. State of Play collaborated with architects, fine artists, prop makers and animators to execute the finished game, bringing its charming papercraft world to life with miniature lights and motors. The handmade game has deservedly earned plaudits from gamers and critics alike, even picking up a BAFTA for Artistic Achievement along the way.

Sims 4: Nifty Knitting

A recent experiment revealed knitting to be the most relaxing hobby of all, so doing it digitally should certainly also have some kind of soothing effect. Test out that theory with the Sims 4: Nifty Knitting, a new extension for the eternally popular virtual doll’s house game. The kit was released this summer in response to a vote by players, in which ‘arts and crafts’ beat other options such as ‘self-care routines’ and ‘science and technology’ – suggesting that the growing interest in making isn’t limited to the physical realm. Start your Sims off on socks and beanies, before they tackle sweaters and toys, teach their skills to others and eventually sell their creations in a virtual marketplace. Get bonus points, and an extra sense of cosy wellbeing, while knitting in a rocking chair.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

The infectiously cheery Nintendo Switch game that became a lockdown sensation, Animal Crossing: New Horizons brings crafting to the fore, letting players build and design their own islands with endless decorating and customisation options. Players are encouraged to regularly pop into the homes of animal islanders in the hopes their virtual denizens will share all-important DIY recipes to craft with – combing beaches or shooting down balloons will also unlock new ones. Customisation kits take crafting to the next level: furniture, for example, can be personalised via preset options including colour, wood type or design. The enigmatic Animal Crossing overlord Tom Nook is on hand to teach you the fundamentals of crafting, but it’ll be up to you to source all the raw materials you need to bring your personal island paradise to life.

Courtesy of Let's Create! Pottery 2

Let’s Create! Pottery 2

One of the joys of making ceramics is getting your hands dirty – but if that’s not possible, this tablet and smartphone game by Infinite Dreams Studio offers a digital alternative. It’s a simple premise: players ‘throw’ pottery on the wheel, beginning with the basics. As you complete challenges to increase your skill level, tasks become increasingly ambitious. Once you’ve finished your virtual object, you can sell it to earn coins to be spent on new clays, glazes and tools: the better the pot, the higher your earnings. If your skill level gets high enough, your masterpieces will go on show in an exhibition alongside those by other clay-free ceramicists. Let’s Create! Pottery 2 also encourages social sharing through a website highlighting the pot of the week and a competitive player’s ranking board.

4 video games with crafts at their core

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