The Secret World
In the landscape of MMORPGs, where fantastical realms and medieval settings have long dominated, The Secret World emerged as a distinctive entry. Developed by Funcom and released in 2012, the game eschewed conventional fantasy tropes in favor of a modern-day setting steeped in occult mysteries. Players assumed the roles of operatives embroiled in a clandestine conflict against supernatural forces, aligned with one of three secret societies: the manipulative Illuminati, the disciplined Templars, or the enigmatic Dragon. This article explores the history, lore, and world-building of The Secret World, a title that distinguished itself through narrative ambition and atmospheric design.
The genesis of The Secret World traces back to Ragnar Tørnquist, known for his work on The Longest Journey series. Tørnquist sought to create a story-driven multiplayer experience that diverged from traditional fantasy frameworks. The result was a game rooted in a contemporary reality where ancient myths and legends permeated the present. Initially published under a subscription model by Electronic Arts, the game faced commercial challenges before Funcom restructured it as Secret World Legends in 2017, adopting a free-to-play approach to broaden accessibility.
Central to the game’s identity is its lore, which draws extensively from global mythology and folklore. The narrative framework positions players as initiates in a shadow war against eldritch threats, with each secret society offering distinct philosophies and objectives. Locations such as London, Tokyo, and the Lovecraftian-inspired town of Kingsmouth serve as backdrops for unraveling conspiracies and confronting entities drawn from myth. These settings blend the mundane with the supernatural, grounding the extraordinary in recognisable environments.
Character progression in The Secret World deviates from traditional class systems. Instead, players unlock abilities through skill trees, enabling hybridised roles that merge firearms, melee combat, and elemental magic. This flexibility allows for tailored playstyles, whether as a stealth-oriented operative or a combat-focused spellcaster, fostering experimentation without restrictive archetypes.
The game’s artistic direction contrasts the ordinary and the uncanny. Kingsmouth, the initial zone, exemplifies this approach. A decaying New England town shrouded in fog, its dilapidated buildings and abandoned streets evoke a pervasive sense of unease. Environmental details—peeling paint, flickering neon signs, and scattered documents—hint at a community consumed by otherworldly corruption. Ambient sounds, from distant whispers to the creak of weathered structures, reinforce the atmosphere and immerse players in the haunting setting.
Exploration in Kingsmouth reveals a narrative told through environment and incidental discovery. Quests often involve deciphering cryptic clues or examining artifacts, eschewing straightforward objectives in favor of investigative engagement. Abandoned diaries, newspaper clippings, and hidden messages piece together the town’s descent into madness, while encounters shift abruptly from mundane interactions to confrontations with grotesque creatures. This method of storytelling prioritises player agency in uncovering the plot.
Beyond Kingsmouth, the game’s world expands to include diverse locales, each infused with unique mythological themes. Tokyo’s neon-lit streets contrast with Egypt’s sun-scorched ruins, yet both integrate regional legends into their design. This variety ensures that each area feels distinct while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic that balances realism with the fantastical.
Narrative depth remains The Secret World’s most notable feature. Quests resemble investigative puzzles, requiring critical analysis of clues and documents. Voice acting and scriptwriting contribute to immersion, whether tracking a supernatural entity through London’s alleyways or translating ancient texts in a Cairo tomb. The game’s commitment to storytelling as a core mechanic distinguishes it from contemporaries, offering an experience prioritising intellectual engagement over routine combat.
Through its fusion of modern settings, mythological depth, and innovative design, The Secret World carved a niche that remains singular within the MMORPG genre. Its legacy endures through its 2017 relaunch and as a testament to the potential of narrative-driven multiplayer experiences.
