The concept of “Mana” as a resource in gaming has its origins in the spiritual and cultural beliefs of Pacific Island cultures, particularly those of Polynesia and Melanesia. In these cultures, mana is understood as a supernatural force or spiritual power that permeates the universe and can be possessed by people, objects, and places.

Origins and Cultural Significance

• Polynesian and Melanesian Cultures: In these cultures, mana is considered a sacred, impersonal force that signifies influence, authority, and efficacy. It is not only associated with individuals but can also be attributed to groups, governments, and inanimate objects. The concept of mana is deeply embedded in the spiritual and social fabric of these societies, where it is seen as a source of power and protection.
• Scholarly Interpretation: The concept of mana was introduced to the Western world by missionaries and anthropologists in the late 19th century. Scholars like Robert Henry Codrington and later Mircea Eliade discussed mana as a universal phenomenon that represented a fundamental experience of the sacred. This scholarly interest helped spread the concept beyond its cultural origins.

Adoption in Gaming

• Introduction to Popular Culture: The term mana was popularized in Western culture through various media, including literature and games. For instance, Larry Niven’s 1969 short story “Not Long Before the End” depicted a world where mana was a finite magical resource used by wizards, introducing the idea of mana as a consumable resource.
• Role-Playing Games: The concept of mana as a resource became more widespread with its integration into role-playing games (RPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons and later video games. In these games, mana typically represents a character’s ability to perform magical actions or cast spells, functioning as a form of magical energy that depletes with use and requires replenishment.
• Video Games: In video games, mana is often visualized as a blue bar or a numerical value, indicating the player’s available magical energy. This system has become a staple in many fantasy games, including popular franchises like Warcraft, Diablo, and Magic: The Gathering.

The adoption of mana in gaming reflects a blend of cultural appropriation and creative reinterpretation, where a spiritual concept from Pacific Island cultures has been transformed into a game mechanic that is now integral to the fantasy genre.