In video games there are some rules that go beyond a wide variety of titles and are universally understood in the general public. Rules that are not questioned that can be transferred to almost every game and work without an explanation – or do you not know what a red potter does?
Anyone who plays different video games will probably have noticed that healing potions or potions with reference to vitality are almost always shown red and manatränk, or drinking with reference to magic in blue.
We find examples of this in games like Elden Ring (see below), World of Warcraft, Baldur’s Gate 3, or dungeons & dragons. A general understanding that can be transferred to many different games.
In order to clarify the question of why red for healing and blue stands for magic, a little knowledge from color theory in terms of game design is necessary. What sounds like dry theory is more understandable and more logical than you think.
In the course of the development of video games, a kind of subconscious color language developed as a medium that almost everyone understands that she plays regularly. But how did this understanding come about? And how is which color is used in video games?
Colors are used in the visual language of video games to convey information. They serve as signals that should show the players at first glance what to expect from something. The game has to explain less by text or dialogue what ensures better immersion through the principle “Show, Don’t Tell” (in German “show, do not tell”).
What do certain colors mean in video games?
The importance of individual colors was never officially “determined” or randomly assigned. Instead, it lies in nature and culture and therefore achieves the same effect in many people.
Green and red
The colors green and red are often associated with life. Green stands for grass, plants and nature. Red stands for blood, decay, but also passion and courage. Beams of life are often kept in green and/or red and many games use a red vignette on the edge of the screen to illustrate damage taken. For this reason, a red potion is associated with healing and vitality.
Blue
Blue often occurs in video games in relation to magic. It is the color of the sky and sea and also stands for serenity and focus. Mana is a resource that users need magic if only a limited amount of magic power is made available to them.
The concept of mana in video games comes mainly from the Southeast Asian cultures, where Mana is considered a sacred force with supernatural origin. This influence of oceanic culture in connection with the control of a supernatural power of nature is the origin and reason why a blue potion is associated with magic and/or mana.
Yellow and white
The colors yellow and white are used in games for information and navigation. They are often used in UIS to highlight or mark things, but also in the area to specify the direction. They are bright and striking and therefore quickly catch the eye. As well as white stars in the dark night sky or a light from a lamp that shows the path.
Purple
Lila is often used in games for unknown and unnatural influences. In some cases it is a secondary color of magic from a “corrupt” source. It is a color that rarely occurs in nature and was very expensive in earlier times. For this reason, the color is considered a sign of the monarchy, corruption and power. In addition, it is often used for poison.
Of course there are other factors that can affect the effect of colors. The saturation of a color (how bright or steamed it is), the color palette (the harmony of the colors used) and the context of a color within a story can still significantly influence its effect.
However, this short excursus in the color theory of video games should clarify the question of why healing potions are red and manatures blue. Maybe you can even better understand other potions in their color design. Incidentally, there is also a solid color code at the loot: Why is the loot always white, green, blue, purple and gold?