Why More Game Developers Should Explore Psychedelic-Inspired Worlds

Ever since I first experimented with psychedelics, everything about how I approach game development and gaming in general changed. Before, I was just like any other developer—focused on mechanics, structure, and the usual aspects of game design. But after my experiences with Salvia divinorum and other plant medicine, I saw things differently. These experiences opened my eyes to new ways of thinking about how game worlds can be built, how visuals can be created, and how stories can unfold. Psychedelics fundamentally reworked my consciousness, making me realize that there’s so much more to explore beyond traditional boundaries.

​Psychedelics, especially something like Salvia, really changes how we see reality. It's not just about the visuals; it's like everything you thought was real starts to break down and reveal something deeper. The identities and labels we tie to things start to fade. Time stops making sense, and might even cease to exist altogether. You feel like you’ve uncovered something ancient, deep, and long forgotten. These experiences show you the raw nature of reality, acting as a shortcut to deeper states of meditation.

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When you think about game design, the possibilities for creating immersive, psychedelic-inspired worlds are endless. These types of worlds are not bound by the same rules that govern our everyday experiences. The idea of perception-shifting environments where time, space, and logic don’t follow traditional norms can allow for some truly unique gameplay mechanics and narrative structures.
Imagine a game world where the environment constantly shifts, reacting to the player’s thoughts or actions. Or a world where colours and sounds are directly tied to the player’s emotional state, offering a deeper connection to the experience. Psychedelic experiences break down the barriers between the self and the world around us, which is something that could be deeply woven into gameplay, creating an emotionally deep, and intuitive player experience.
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When our team dove deeper into our recent card game project, I found myself wanting to bring some of this freedom into the game. We had decided on a sci-fi theme, which I could see the appeal of—it was familiar, grounded, and practical. But for me, I wanted something a bit more abstract, more open-ended, a world that felt inspired by the unique insights I’ve had through Salvia. I craved something more experimental, something that challenged perceptions rather than sticking to what we know.
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When I shared these ideas with the team, it became clear that we weren’t on the same page. It wasn’t that they weren’t open to experimentation, but the direction I suggested felt a bit too far outside of their comfort zone. And I get that—it wasn’t the right fit for the project, especially at that point. While I was really excited about the potential for a more freeform experience, I realized it wasn’t the right direction for the team. It was a bit of a letdown, but ultimately, I’m just glad we were able to collaborate and make something great. Even though we didn’t align on every detail, I still loved working with the team.

This disconnect reminded me of something I’ve come to realize: game development—like all art—can benefit from exploring the unknown, the surreal, and the expansive. Psychedelic experiences aren’t just about the visuals; they’re about reshaping our understanding of reality. I think we need to bring that same approach to game design, to venture beyond the limitations of traditional mechanics and storytelling.

There’s room in the industry for games that challenge perception, break rules, and offer players a deeper connection to the world around them. By embracing psychedelic-inspired worlds, game developers can create experiences that are not just visually captivating but emotionally and intellectually stimulating.


Conclusion
Psychedelics have a way of opening our minds to the infinite possibilities of experience. As game developers, we have a unique opportunity to translate that sense of boundless creativity into virtual worlds. It’s not just about making a game that looks cool; it’s about creating an environment that shifts, evolves, and challenges the player’s perception of reality. Let’s explore that potential and bring the psychedelic experience into gaming, one mind-bending world at a time.

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