WORLDBUILDING OF ESOTERA
The inspiration for Esotera's worldbuilding is derived from a variety of sources, such as dystopian, post-apocalyptic, cyberpunk, and other science fiction works. Some of the specific inspirations are Cowboy Bebop, Ghost in the Shell, Blade Runner, Mad Max, Dune, and Fallout. Nick is also an avid fan of Isaac Asimov's fiction.
Esotera attempts to approach the serious ethical questions that are more easily addressed in a world where civilization has fallen apart, yet complex technology still plays an important part in everyday life. In this way, the societal implications of law and order, compassion versus pragmatism, and other deep topics can be explored in a fictional setting. This has always been one of the strongest and most attractive qualities of science-fiction, and Esotera is not different in this respect.
Additionally, Esotera takes inspiration from real-world technology and projected future technologies to create a future where Humanity must deal with complicated ethical questions surrounding the use of technology. Esotera attempts to keep the technology of the world grounded in reality, where the tech has limitations that characters in the world must work around in order to succeed.
TIMELINE OF THE WORLD
2022 - 1st AI Developed
The first fully-functional AI, including limited self-awareness and ability to solve complex problems, is developed.
2037 - Nauticus, Inc. Founded
'Providing Life-Giving Water Since 2037'. The iconic water auto-pump company puts the competition out of business with its innovative solutions.
2043 - Solar Flare Destroys Infrastructure
A mega-flare hits the Earth; technology and infrastructure are devastated. Chaos ensues for several years.
2044 - US Federal Government Collapses
Unable to communicate & too cumbersome to combat massive disruption, the fed all but dissipates.
2063 - Frontier Generation Reaches Adulthood
The propaganda-titled generation 'Frontier' is the first set of children to be born and raised entirely post-flare.
2087 - Present Day
Humanity claims planet Esotera, reclaims the wastes of Earth, and works to re-establish order & civilization.
INSPIRATIONS & VISUALIZING THE WORLD
The process of visualizing the world of Esotera is incredibly important, since the world exists primarily in a visual medium. Because of that, it's something we dedicate a large amount of effort toward perfecting.
However, it's also very important that the world is built out organically, with people's lives and behaviors stemming realistically from the environment around them.
This necessitates fleshing out and understanding many interconnecting relationships between commerce, daily life, religion, factions, and many other aspects of the world in order to tell stories within it that are believable.
ORIGINAL IN-WORLD LOGOS AND GRAPHICS
Logos and graphics created by John Domrzalski
