How Game Ecology Drives Player Choices in Strategy Video Games: An Environmental Determinism Perspective.

This article examines the influence of game ecology—the virtual environment and underlying mechanics that simulate real-world environmental principles—on player choices in strategy video games, specifically Sid Meier's Civilization VI and Humankind. Using an immersive-participatory method, the study identifies four key game mechanics reflecting environmental determinism: spatial constraints, movement modifiers, uncommon events, and dynamic indexes, all of which shape how players interact with and adapt to the game world. The analysis contrasts environmental determinism with cultural determinism, arguing that game ecology increasingly governs player decisions and narrative outcomes as games evolve. The study suggests that recognizing environmental determinism in game design can inform future development and research, particularly regarding players' engagement with environmental issues both in-game and beyond.