What is the impact of fictional worlds on game reception?

The verified evidence provided focuses exclusively on the 2005 science fiction film 'War of the Worlds', directed by Steven Spielberg and based on H.G. Wells' novel. The information covers the film's production details, cast, and plot summary involving an alien invasion of Earth. However, there is no mention of video games, fictional worlds in gaming contexts, or how such worlds might influence player or consumer reception of games. The evidence does not address the relationship between fictional world-building and game reception metrics, player engagement, market performance, or critical analysis of games. Without any relevant data connecting fictional worlds to gaming reception, the question cannot be substantiated using the provided sources.