Employ Lighting Techniques to Underscore the Atmosphere
Utilize various properties of light—such as contrast, brightness, and direction—to evoke specific emotional responses.
Lighting in General
Drama
Placing bright elements adjacent to dark ones under undiffused lighting results in a scene with high-contrast dramatic lighting.
Incorporating shadows into the environment intensifies the dramatic effect.
Restricting the range of colors can enhance the dramatic impact of on-screen action.
In This War of Mine, the careful selection of colors contributes significantly to the dramatic progression of the protagonists’ narrative.
Credit: 11 bit studios S.A.. Screenshot captured by the author.
- Adverse weather conditions—such as fog, haze, smoke, or various forms of storms—reduce overall brightness and can further enhance a dramatic atmosphere.
In Sundered, the use of adverse weather contributes effectively to the dramatic tone.
Credit: Thunder Lotus. Footage captured by the author.
Fear
- Shadows can evoke fear in players, particularly when the source casting the shadow is unknown or unseen.
Who is the first enemy encountered on the protagonist’s journey in Strange Brigade?
Credit: Rebellion Developments. Footage captured by the author.
Dark scenes with minimal lighting can instill fear and mystery, especially when players feel vulnerable due to difficulty identifying objects or characters, or because their spatial orientation is impaired. Such scenarios may include dark alleyways, dense forests, or nighttime swamps.
Requiring players to illuminate their path using portable light sources—such as oil lamps, torches, flares, or flashlights—can increase tension and fear.
Abruptly dimming or extinguishing the light in a scene may startle players and evoke fear.
In Sundered, the low lighting in conjunction with a dominant red color palette effectively contributes to a fearful atmosphere.
Credit: Thunder Lotus. Footage captured by the author.
- When the player character is positioned under a light source while the surrounding area remains in darkness, this contrast can suggest vulnerability and danger, as it implies the character may be easily detected by enemies.
Joy and Optimism
- Bright lighting typically conveys positive emotions such as joy and optimism.
In Supraland, the use of vibrant colors helps evoke strong positive emotional responses.
Credit: Supra Games. Footage captured by the author.
- A bright light source can symbolize optimism and relief, particularly when the player has spent considerable time in darkness searching for an exit.
Melancholy
- Dim lighting may elicit feelings of melancholy.
Quietness
- Low-contrast lighting, often produced by strongly diffused light, can evoke a sense of tranquility.
Safety
- When the player character is enveloped in darkness, it can generate a feeling of safety, as the lack of visibility reduces the likelihood of being detected by enemies.