3D representations of cities in video games as designed

The following paper proposes a way of reading and systematizing 3d representations of cities in video games. These representations are the result of a complex design problem not solely limited to 3d graphical representations. In fact, every 3d city is a designed artefact, an outcome of a design process that shares many common points with the architectural design process. Four main characteristics of 3d cities in videogames have been identified and described, namely: interaction/gameplay, narrative, architectural and urban representations, and graphical representations. The study of 3d cities in video games can also let us reflect on and improve our real cities. This piece of writing is part of a larger project that intends to investigate aspects of video games that can bring innovative approaches and theories into architecture and related fields. A further aim of the work is to raise interest and awareness on the topic and generate further discussions.