Near-future science fiction takes place in the present day or in the next few decades. Elements of the setting should be familiar to the reader, and the technology may be current or in development. Frequently, Near-Future Sci Fi is about current technology, or technology in development today and its effects on our world. Examples include stories about nanotechnology or genetics.

Within the science fiction community, non-speculative fiction is called mundane fiction. Near-future science fiction is basically mundane fiction that pushes the boundaries into science fiction. It takes science and technology that we have right now and pushes a short way into the future.

LEVEL OF REAL SCIENCE
High. Near-Future Sci Fi is set in a world that is a natural progression from our own and so technological and scientific advancements are believable and utterly real.

LEVEL OF GRAND IDEAS/SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS
High. Near-Future Sci Fi examines the results of a change or development—often related to science and technology—on our society. Frequently, this examination reveals a sense of fear or anxiety about the future.

LEVEL OF CHARACTERIZATION
High. Because Near-Future Sci Fi is set in a world much like our own characters often feel more real and readers can find themselves easily identifying with these characters.

LEVEL OF PLOT COMPLEXITY
High. The development of events and their consequences are central to Near-Future stories and as such plots are well defined and meaningful.

LEVEL of VIOLENCE
Moderate. Violence is a part of our current world, so violence also tends to be a part of near-future settings as well. When there is violence in a near-future setting is it is often a consequence of a sequence of events and part of the story's overall commentary on science, technology and/or society.