What exactly is worldbuilding?

First post of the decade!<br>Something I've noticed about worldbuilding on the internet and in particular on this sub is that we tend to lean towards talking about nations, governments, cultures, and areas of a fictional planet etc.<br><br>Worldbuilding is actually so much more than that. It's mythology, it's technology, it's the solar system the planet is in, it's the physics engine governing how an alternate reality works, it's the history of the entire cosmos, it's the metaphysics, it's the philosophical views that the inhabitants hold of existence, it's the way the soil feels under your feet, it's the maps of the deep web in a cyberpunk future, it's the design of fictional devices and vehicles and it's all the contradictions and paradoxes that come with that. <br><br>Worldbuilding is not just the big things, it's the tiniest little details that make the world yours, it's the little secret things you know about a world you've been cultivating for years but haven't written down yet.<br><br>Nothing I'm saying here is new, but I think we could all stand a reminder that the worlds we create in our hearts and minds are so, so much more than what's often posted here and that if we always keep the bigger picture in view, it will inform the little details that make your world special and completely inimitable. <br><br>Many of you are beginners, and don't know where to start. I consider myself a beginner as well, even after a decade of creating. If you're new to worldbuilding, you are not alone. I see a lot of beginners arguing over what culture or race should be allowed to make what types of worlds, what the correct "order" of building a world is, and what is "correct" worldbuilding and what isn't.<br><br>We are not gatekeepers. Don't listen to those who would make you feel like you're not doing it right. Worldbuilding is an act of love, and you should not be judged on your love, no matter how "weird" it is. If you're here to build worlds, then welcome! Y'all are home now. ❤<br><br>Happy building, and happy new decade!<br><br>Edit: I'd like to add that worldbuilding can be of anything and for any purpose. It doesn't have to be for a story. It's any time you dream up a whole new place or scenario or situation from which an entire universe can spring forth. <br><br>Also, I know some people create worlds alone and some people create worlds with friends. Worldbuilding can be a completely solo activity, but it doesn't have to be. Just putting that out there!