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A shared universe is a creative concept in which multiple stories, characters, and events take place within a common, overarching world or setting. This approach has been used by writers, filmmakers, and other creative artists to interconnect their works and build a complex and engaging narrative.
Sometimes a shared universe is created by a single author, as in the case of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, where he set The Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings within the same world. Other times, authors give explicit permission for other writers to expand on their original settings, such as Larry Niven’s Known Space series, which was opened up for collaboration in the Man-Kzin Wars series.
In some cases, writers build upon an author’s work after they have died, such as the numerous stories set in the Lovecraft-universe or the Oz-universe. This approach allows different authors to expand the world and explore new facets of the original setting while keeping the story coherent and consistent.
A example of a ‘large’ shared universe is the Marvel Universe, where dozens of different comics (or movies) follow separate characters and storylines within one larger universe. This shared universe approach allows Marvel to create an intricate, immersive world that draws readers in and keeps them invested in the various storylines.
Dungeons and Dragons is a perfect example of a universe that was designed to be shared. The creators set out the rules of the world, and then groups of players create their own stories exploring that world.
Another notable example of a shared universe is the SCP Foundation, a creative writing community operated under a creative commons license. SCP Foundation features a collaborative effort of writers who contribute to a shared mythology centered around a secretive organization that investigates paranormal phenomena. The SCP Foundation’s shared universe offers a wide range of stories and concepts, allowing contributors to build on each other’s work, and explore different aspects of the Foundation and its world.
Overall, the shared universe concept offers a powerful and engaging way to create a cohesive narrative across multiple works, explore new ideas and concepts, and provide readers or audiences with a more immersive and exciting experience.