The Steampunk genre in video games is a subgenre of speculative fiction that combines elements of Victorian-era aesthetics, industrial machinery, and advanced steam-powered technology. Set in alternate histories or fantastical worlds, steampunk games often feature a mix of historical and futuristic elements, where steam engines, gears, clockwork devices, and brass gadgets are the backbone of technology. It often evokes a sense of nostalgia, creativity, and adventure while incorporating elements of science fiction, fantasy, and alternate history.
Key Characteristics of Steampunk Games:
Victorian Era Influence
Steampunk games are often inspired by the Victorian era, with architectural styles and fashion reminiscent of 19th-century Europe.
The setting could be a reimagined version of the past, where the age of steam power has propelled technology beyond what was historically possible.
Example: BioShock Infinite, The Order: 1886.
Steam-Powered Technology
The central feature of steampunk is steam-powered machinery. Players might use or encounter steam engines, airships, automaton soldiers, and clockwork robots.
In these worlds, machines run on steam, and gears, pistons, and cogwheels are fundamental components of everyday life.
Example: Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura, Machinarium.
Gothic and Industrial Aesthetics
Steampunk often incorporates gothic, industrial, and Victorian aesthetics with dark, atmospheric settings.
The cities and environments in steampunk games may have a gritty, mechanical look, with sprawling factories, massive machines, and an overabundance of pipes, gears, and steam vents.
Example: Dishonored, Thief (2014).
Clockwork Devices and Gadgets
Characters and players in steampunk games often use futuristic gadgets powered by gears, steam, and clockwork mechanisms.
This includes devices like steam rifles, mechanical exoskeletons, jetpacks, and automated drones.
Example: The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky, Bioshock Infinite.
Alternate History or Fantasy Setting
Steampunk games often feature an alternate history or a world that diverges from our own, where steam power has advanced at an extraordinary rate.
These settings might have advanced technology, but with a retro-futuristic flair, creating a world where airships sail across the sky and steam-powered robots patrol the streets.
Many steampunk games involve an element of adventure or exploration. Players may need to uncover ancient technology, navigate through mechanical labyrinths, or embark on a quest to understand lost or hidden inventions.
The environment itself is often a character, filled with secrets, puzzles, and technological wonders.
Example: Syberia, The Order: 1886.
Themes of Social Class and Industrialization
Many steampunk games explore themes related to the industrial revolution, such as the tension between social classes (i.e., the working poor vs. wealthy industrialists) and the rise of capitalism and technological advancement.
The genre often emphasizes rebellion against oppressive systems, with protagonists trying to disrupt, revolutionize, or escape the rigid social orders of their world.
Example: BioShock Infinite (with themes of class and social inequality), Dishonored.
Fantasy and Magic Elements
While primarily focused on technology and industrial machinery, many steampunk games also incorporate fantasy and magic, blending the technological with the mystical.
This combination might include magical artifacts, alchemy, and characters with extraordinary powers alongside their steam-powered gadgets.
Example: Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura, The Clockwork Man.
Popular Steampunk Video Games:
BioShock Infinite – An action-adventure game set in a floating city with steam-powered technology, airships, and magical elements.
Dishonored – A first-person stealth game set in a steampunk-inspired world, where players use gadgets and supernatural abilities to exact revenge and unravel a dark conspiracy.
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura – A classic RPG that blends steampunk technology with magic in a rich world full of cogs, gears, and ancient powers.
The Order: 1886 – A third-person shooter that is set in an alternate history where steampunk technology meets Victorian London.
Syberia – A puzzle adventure game featuring a young lawyer who explores a world of mechanical creatures and clockwork technology.
Machinarium – A point-and-click puzzle game featuring a small robot in a steampunk-inspired city.
SteamWorld Heist – A tactical shooter set in a steam-powered world, where players control a group of robots exploring space.
Final Fantasy VI – A classic JRPG that blends steampunk elements with magic, featuring airships and magical machines.
Why Players Enjoy Steampunk Video Games:
Unique Aesthetics – The blend of Victorian-style fashion, futuristic technology, and gritty industrial environments creates a visually rich and distinct world.
Innovation and Creativity – Steampunk allows for inventive game mechanics, where steam-powered gadgets, clockwork robots, and futuristic cities are central elements of gameplay.
Alternate History – Players are immersed in a world where technology has evolved differently, often creating a compelling blend of past and future.
Atmospheric Storytelling – The themes of social class, oppression, and industrial revolution provide rich narratives that explore rebellion, mystery, and discovery.
Sense of Adventure – Steampunk games often combine exploration, puzzle-solving, and action in unique ways, offering a deep sense of adventure.
Steampunk video games stand out for their imaginative world-building, blending technology with aesthetic charm and allowing players to explore rich, often alternate worlds full of mystery, intrigue, and steam-powered wonder.
