Video games often transport players to fantastical worlds, filled with breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins, and vibrant cities. But what many don’t realize is that these virtual realms are often inspired by real-life locations. Game developers draw heavily from existing cultures, architecture, and natural wonders to craft immersive settings that feel both familiar and extraordinary. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most iconic real-life places that have inspired video game worlds, proving that sometimes reality can be just as magical as fiction.
Kyoto and the Tranquil Worlds of The Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda series is known for its lush landscapes, serene villages, and ancient temples. Much of its design inspiration comes from Japan’s rich cultural heritage, with Kyoto standing out as a significant muse. The city’s traditional Shinto shrines, bamboo forests, and rolling hills mirror the calming aesthetics of Hyrule.
The Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, with its iconic red torii gates, closely resembles areas in Breath of the Wild, where Link explores similar shrine-laden trails. Kyoto’s picturesque Arashiyama Bamboo Grove also feels like it could be a direct portal into Zelda’s timeless forests.
Dubrovnik, Croatia: The Real-Life King’s Landing in The Witcher 3
Fans of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will recognize the coastal city of Novigrad, a bustling medieval metropolis filled with cobbled streets, grand cathedrals, and a vibrant marketplace. While the city is a fictional amalgamation of medieval Europe, Dubrovnik, Croatia, played a significant role in inspiring its design.
Dubrovnik, with its ancient stone walls overlooking the Adriatic Sea, served as a visual reference for Novigrad’s intricate cityscape. The city’s history as a trade hub aligns with Novigrad’s role as a cultural and economic center, making it a perfect real-world counterpart to the game’s vivid world.
The Scottish Highlands: The Windswept Landscapes of Red Dead Redemption 2
The rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands has been immortalized in Red Dead Redemption 2, particularly in its northern regions. The game’s open-world design features misty mountains, rolling hills, and tranquil lochs that evoke the grandeur of Scotland’s wilderness.
Arthur Morgan’s journey through Ambarino and West Elizabeth often feels like stepping into the Highlands, where every panoramic view echoes Scotland’s untamed charm. The Highlands’ influence adds a touch of realism to the game, reminding players of the natural beauty that exists in the real world.
Mount Fuji and the Mythical Setting of the Ghost of Tsushima
The cinematic masterpiece Ghost of Tsushima draws heavily from Japan’s real-world geography and history. The titular island of Tsushima, situated between Japan and Korea, is reimagined in the slot gacor game with artistic liberties, yet it retains the essence of its real-life counterpart.
Mount Fuji, Japan’s iconic volcanic peak, also serves as a symbolic backdrop. While the game is set far from the mountain itself, its imagery resonates throughout Tsushima’s landscapes. The game’s windswept fields, bamboo forests, and serene hot springs reflect Japan’s natural splendor, paying homage to its cultural and environmental heritage.
Angkor Wat: The Hidden Temples of Tomb Raider
The ancient ruins of Angkor Wat in Cambodia are an adventurer’s dream and a significant source of inspiration for the Tomb Raider series. Lara Croft’s explorations often lead her to mysterious temples overrun by jungle vegetation, much like the real-world ruins of Angkor.
Angkor Wat’s sprawling temple complex, intricate carvings, and dramatic overgrowth are mirrored in many of Lara’s adventures. The temples in games like Rise of the Tomb Raider and Shadow of the Tomb Raider echo the atmosphere of Angkor Wat, blending mystery, history, and danger.
Santorini, Greece: The Whitewashed Beauty of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
The island of Santorini, with its whitewashed buildings and azure seas, is the epitome of Greek beauty. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, set in ancient Greece, captures the spirit of this iconic location in its depiction of Mykonos and Delos.
While the game is set centuries before Santorini’s modern aesthetic, its attention to detail reflects the timeless beauty of the Cycladic islands. The stark white architecture, winding streets, and breathtaking vistas bring the essence of Santorini to life in a way that feels both authentic and cinematic.
Yosemite National Park: The Wild Majesty of Firewatch
The indie gem Firewatch takes players on a journey through Shoshone National Forest, a fictional location heavily inspired by the real-world beauty of Yosemite National Park. The game’s stunning art style captures Yosemite’s dramatic granite cliffs, towering sequoias, and golden meadows.
The sense of isolation and awe evoked in Firewatch mirrors the experience of exploring Yosemite’s wilderness. The park’s influence is evident in every detail, from the fiery sunsets to the dense forest trails, making it a love letter to America’s national parks.
Venice, Italy: The Watery Streets of BioShock Infinite
The floating city of Columbia in BioShock Infinite may seem like pure fantasy, but its architectural elegance and canal-like waterways owe much to Venice, Italy. The romantic city served as a loose inspiration for Columbia’s art deco design and its ethereal, dreamlike quality.
Venice’s grand palaces, vibrant gondolas, and sense of timeless wonder are reflected in Columbia’s aerial streets. The game transforms these elements into a surreal vision of a utopian city, blending real-world beauty with science fiction.
Conclusion
Video games are a testament to the creativity of developers who draw inspiration from real-life places to craft extraordinary virtual worlds. From the tranquil temples of Kyoto to the rugged Scottish Highlands, these pixelated paradises remind us that reality often provides the most compelling backdrop for our favorite adventures. Whether you’re a gamer or a traveler, these destinations invite exploration, offering a chance to step into the worlds that inspired our most beloved games.
Published by HOLR Magazine.