Modular architecture in gaming can be traced back to the 1980s, emerging when games became more complex, calling for a different approach to a layered development cycle. But what is modular architecture, exactly?
In simple terms, modular architecture divides game systems into independent components, all modular and interchangeable, each ‘living’ in their own development environment. This allows each component to be developed, tested, and modified separately.
This system of development allows for easier updates, customization, and scalability. It lets developers add new features or content without the need to overhaul the entire system. It makes the development cycle super flexible and efficient, allowing developers to build games like, well, LEGO.
Pioneering Modular Designs in Gaming
Some of the biggest games of the late 1980s and early-to-mid 1990s implemented a modular development cycle. Here are just a handful of examples:
SimCity (1989). Will Wright’s SimCity still has a huge fanbase, with the design of the game adopting modular architecture in both development and gameplay.
DOOM (1993). The classic from John Carmack was groundbreaking in that it separated the game engine from content assets, using a modular approach to build one of the early first-person shooters.
Quake (1996). The spiritual successor to Doom, in many ways. It further refined the engine concept, adding one of the first 3D environments in a shooter.
These three games were key in establishing modular architecture as standard practice in video game development. This approach also enabled the growth of modding communities, with enthusiasts able to expand on the core levels and gameplay owing to the modular architecture of the games.
Modern Games Leveraging Modular Architecture
The pioneers built the framework and created the template, but now modern games have taken it to the next level:
Minecraft (2011). Minecraft is a bit of a cultural phenomenon, and it’s one of the leading modular games out there. It has a huge modding community, without which the game would have nowhere near the clout it does now. Heck, the game is so popular that Hollywood’s even released a Minecraft movie.
Fortnite (2017). Another juggernaut of the industry, Fortnite has a modular structure that keeps its content fresh, with weapons and skins updated regularly. Building mechanics also allow players to create their own structure from pre-built elements, the combination of which results in a unique world for each player.
No Man’s Sky (2016). Planets and ecosystems are built according to a modular framework, which allows continual content updates and fresh expansion packs that keep the game young, even though it was released almost a decade ago.
World of Warcraft (2004). Without a modular architecture base, WoW would never have reached the heights that made the game famous. The game is a vast world made up of modular sections, with additional quests, zones, and features all possible.
Modular Architecture in iGaming
The modular approach is deeply entrenched in gaming, and now the iGaming industry is starting to recognize the potential value in adopting a similar approach.
Leading online casinos around the world, like SkyCity, for example, are actively adding slots featuring modular frameworks, leveraging the development muscle of companies like Quickspin, Play’n Go, and Oryx Gaming.
The potential is clear: a more flexible and layered gaming experience for punters, with content that is continually updated, upgraded, and refreshed. Games will start resembling video games you find on your consoles, with levels, characters, and unique expansions.
For casinos, a modular approach also helps with meeting regulatory standards. For example, one region may not allow a particular feature in a game; instead of removing it completely, companies can simply ‘switch off’ the offending element.
Modular Architecture Gives a Competitive Advantage
Just look at some of the games we’ve discussed so far; these are so popular precisely because they can be expanded due to their modular design. It’s a core feature, without which Fortnite and Minecraft would not have become household names.
For companies that apply a modular process, there are significant industry advantages:
Rapid deployment. No complete overhaul, no start from 0, just a new release via a modular component. Making fresh, new content and features much, much faster.
Customization. Gamers like to be able to be involved in world-building, and modular components make this easy. It lets you have a completely unique experience each and every run through the game.
A/B Testing. Modules can be quickly added and removed, giving developers an easy way to test what’s working (and what isn’t!). It allows companies to test continually and even after release, ensuring games stay relevant.
Cross-platform consistency. The reason games work just as smoothly on your PlayStation, PC, and smartphone is because of modular architecture. The quality of games does not suffer, no matter what you’re playing on.
Modular architecture is already a tried and tested way of developing games. It’s the most powerful approach to video game development, and the proof is in the pudding through games like Minecraft and DOOM.
With hardware now able to tackle resource-hungry games without a hitch, we can expect the modular approach to become even more relevant in the future. Dynamic, customizable, and entirely unique, modular architecture is a winning formula.
