The designs of Dragons within games

Dungeons & Dragons. [Role-playing Game], Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson

Dragons are a recurring mythical creature that is very popular in fantasy video games. They possess many different physical traits that are borrowed from serpent creatures. The appearance of the dragon in mythology can vary by region, but almost all variations tend to have horns, talons and wings in their anatomy. Several depictions of dragons also say that they are capable of breathing fire, or similar elemental projectiles.

Western dragons generally differ from eastern dragons due to culture. The dragons inspired by western legends tend to be grounded creatures that are bulky, but the dragons of the eastern legends are usually longer in length and also float in the air.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. [Video Game], Bethesda

When players are introduced to dragons in Skyrim, they appear as grand creatures with many of the common associations that pop-culture has with dragons. This includes having wings, talons and serpentine anatomical builds, as well as the ability to breath fire or ice. Skyrim's dragons have a dragonskin which is rather blocky and spiky, essentially making them appear more like a rocky creature. Despite the various dragons the player may encounter, none of them are four-legged.

Blade & Soul
Koldrak's Lair, Blade & Soul. [Video Game], NCSOFT.

Koldrak resembles the type of dragons that are often seen in east Asia, being largely different to their western counterparts. Eastern dragons often float without support, and have either very short or no legs. Koldrak is made up of a long snake-like scaly and a head only, lacking any arms or legs. The physical appearance is still similar to mythical depictions since he also has scaly skin and many spines. Though he is regarded as a dragon, the lack of appendages makes him very similar to a snake in terms of his anatomy.

Resources:
Sullivan K. (2016), Dragons: Exploring the Ancient Origins of the Mythical Beasts, Ancient Origins. Available at: https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends/dragons-exploring-ancient-origins-mythical-beasts-006407

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