Early on, magic powers within video games were barely explained in the East or the West. Most operated on the assumption that players had previous acquired knowledge of the typical 'fantasy' magician, described below:
A magician, mage, sorcerer, sorceress, wizard, enchanter, enchantress, thaumaturge or a person known under one of many other possible terms is someone who uses or practices magic that derives from supernatural or occult sources. [1]
This coincides with the evolution of video game storytelling; early on, backstory and character development took a backseat in favour of the progression of the immediate plot (providing of course, there was any plot at all).
While magic was featured heavily in the early, fantasy games of the East and West, the origins and mechanics were not touched on. This is evident in early games from both sides, such as Final Fantasy I/II from the East and Shadowgate and Heroes of Might and Magic from the West.
MODERN FANTASY
In more modern gaming, explanations for magical powers are much more common. Particularly in the West, however, many games still center around the pre-established fantasy architype of arcane wizardry, though each does modify the origin of the arcane source slightly. Examples of this are Fable and Kingdoms of Amalur. Fable is somewhat vague on the history of magic (Will) within the game; it is never confirmed whether or not Will is inherited or taught. [2] Often, these games are based in the usual fantasy setting; a timeless, medieval world.
HEADING: SCIENTIFIC ORIGINS
When away from the concept of arcane inheritance or power sources, Western games often focus on the scientific origin of 'magical' power. This is particularly clear in games set in modern times in worlds that could potentially develop from our own. Games where power is granted as a result of scientific study include:
Bioshock 1/2 and plasmids. A 'plasmid', in science, is a dna molecule of specific properties.
Deus Ex and augmentation.
Prototype and viral mutation.
inFAMOUS and a combination of natural mutation awakened by scientific accelleration. This is a combination of innate and externally gifted magic.
In the above, the magical powers feel more like something from a Western superhero comic, particularly in origin. At least in games with a modern setting, writers attempt to give powers a plausible explanation rather than a completely fantastical one. Powers are a result of developed sciences or natural mutations.
Occasionally, Western games do touch upon innate powers; asari biotics (mind powers similar to telekenesis) in Mass Effect are naturally occuring. However, science is still a part of this -- other species develop biotic powers through controlled exposure to certain elements and are enhanced with the use of technological amplifiers.
In regards to the West, it is often genre that dictates the source of magical power. In more modern, realistic settings, human power is most often granted through the advancement of sciences and evolution. However, in heavily fantastical settings the West falls back upon the standard definition of a sorcerer.
HEADING: MAGIC IN THE EAST
In the modern East, magical powers are not often granted by science. However, contrary to initial assumptions, it is more often granted by the occult/nature than by religion or spirituality. One clear exception to this rule is the Magatama within Phoenix Wright.
The magatama is an object worn by members of the 'Fey' clan, who are blessed with having inherited the kurain channeling technique. This technique is spiritual in nature and the power comes from within the clan members; it cannot be taught to outsiders.
Other origins include heritage and naturally occuring magical objects. Final Fantasy IV features mages and magic users, all of whom are born to a specific village. Final Fantasy VII, however, bestows magic and abilities through substances formed through the lifestream of the world's planet.
Even in more modern day settings, Eastern games focus on more fantastical forms of magic rather than those with a scientific base. Examples of this are Bayonetta and Persona 3.
Light and dark (lumen sages, umbra witches). Draw power from the sun and the moon respectively.
Certain beings are born with a Persona within them, which they can then summon to combat threats.
[1] Patricia A. McKillip, "Writing High Fantasy", p 54, Philip Martin, ed., The Writer's Guide to Fantasy Literature: From Dragon's Lair to Hero's Quest, ISBN 0-87116-195-8
[2] http://fable.wikia.com/wiki/Will#Origin
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