Question

I assume this might be an unusual question, and I'd like to first make a note as to why I'm asking here, on Chemistry Stack Exchange and not somewhere more relevant to video games. This is because we'd like to get an answer from people with knowledge in the field of chemistry since we want to approach the issue from the direction of verisimilitude.

We have a simulation/adventure game with the capacity for complex item manipulation. This means that we can already handle things like containers for substances, laboratory equipment, item combinations (including combinations which require multiple inputs and specific tools), etc. These systems were developed for other reasons than specifically a chemistry system, but the idea of building one cropped up.
The issue is that we are not informed enough to properly assess the feasibility of building such a system, especially under the limitations described below. And if such a system was possible, we are unsure where to start looking up information about it.
The restrictions that we're working under are:
1. We make a game where the player character is non-violent and thus have no interest in including things such as explosives or poisons. Instead, we are interested in puzzle/environmental problem solving and possibly some medicine;
2. We'd be simplifying things to some degree, partly for quality-of-life reasons and partly so that people can't follow the in-game processes in real life. I will additionally note we work on a horror game for adults;
3. If it were to exist, it would need to be an actual system rather than including specific recipes for crafting without multiple uses for the components;
We'd appreciate any opinions on the matter, as well as any more specific suggestions for material we should study.

Answer 1

Creating a chemistry system in a game is feasible and can be tailored for puzzles and education, utilizing principles of chemical reactions and equilibrium.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question you have posed falls under the subject of Chemistry and is relevant at the College level, where students engage with complex chemical systems and their applications. Your plan to incorporate a chemistry system into a simulation/adventure game is feasible and can be an enriching element for environmental problem-solving and medicinal puzzles, aligning well with the non-violent nature of the game. To begin building such a system, you'd want to study the principles of chemical reactions, equilibrium, and thermodynamics. It is important to consider the history of chemistry and how processes were developed, as well as modern-day applications that could translate into engaging game mechanics. Simplifying real-world chemistry for game playability while ensuring player safety and preventing real-world replication of potentially hazardous processes is prudent.