Real Locations That Inspired Famous Video Game Worlds
Real Locations That Inspired Famous Video Game Worlds
One of the most magical aspects of video games is how they transport players to worlds both fantastical and familiar. Yet, behind some of the most iconic virtual landscapes lie real-world places that served as inspiration. Developers often borrow from actual cities, landmarks, and cultures to breathe life into their digital worlds, giving players a sense of authenticity and wonder.
Let’s take a look at some of the most famous video game worlds and the real-life locations that inspired them.
1. Los Santos – Based on Los Angeles (GTA V)
When players cruise through the sprawling cityscape of Grand Theft Auto V, they’re essentially exploring a reimagined version of Los Angeles. Los Santos is Rockstar’s satirical take on LA, complete with its sandy beaches, glamorous Vinewood (Hollywood) Hills, urban sprawl, and diverse neighborhoods.
From the bustling Downtown area to Venice Beach’s Muscle Sands (based on Muscle Beach), Rockstar’s attention to detail is staggering. Even the traffic congestion and billboard ads mirror the quirky, chaotic vibe of real-life LA.
2. Red Dead Redemption 2 – The American Frontier
Red Dead Redemption 2 isn’t a one-to-one recreation of a specific location but rather a composite of various regions in the American West and South during the late 19th century. Players can spot influences from states like Montana, Louisiana, and New Mexico.
The swamps of Lemoyne reflect the eerie wetlands of Louisiana, while the snow-capped Grizzlies Mountains resemble the Rockies. Rockstar painstakingly researched historical records, wildlife, and topography to create a world that feels both historically accurate and alive.
3. Novigrad – Based on Amsterdam and Gdańsk (The Witcher 3)
CD Projekt Red’s The Witcher 3 features Novigrad, a bustling medieval city inspired by several real-world European cities. The canals and trade-centric economy take cues from Amsterdam, while the architecture and cultural elements nod to cities like Gdańsk in Poland.
Novigrad’s grimy back alleys, merchant districts, and towering cathedrals feel like they’ve been pulled straight from a 16th-century travel journal, giving players a gritty and immersive medieval urban experience.
4. Hyrule – Inspired by Japan’s Countryside (Zelda: Breath of the Wild)
Nintendo’s Breath of the Wild draws much of its serene landscape inspiration from the natural beauty of rural Japan, particularly the country’s mountainous regions and open plains.
The ancient shrines, tranquil forests, and rolling hills scattered across Hyrule echo the landscapes found in places like Kyoto and the Japanese Alps. The cultural influences are also evident in the game’s Shinto-inspired architecture and spiritual themes.
5. Liberty City – Based on New York City (GTA III, GTA IV)
Rockstar’s Liberty City is their gritty take on the Big Apple. While exaggerated for storytelling purposes, Liberty City closely mirrors New York City’s boroughs and landmarks.
From Star Junction (a stand-in for Times Square) to Broker (Brooklyn) and Algonquin (Manhattan), Liberty City captures the dense, urban vibe of NYC. The towering skyscrapers, graffiti-filled subways, and fast-talking NPCs all reflect the city that never sleeps.
6. Assassin’s Creed Series – Multiple Real-World Cities
The Assassin’s Creed franchise is renowned for its historically accurate settings:
- Assassin’s Creed II recreated Renaissance-era Florence and Venice.
- Assassin’s Creed Unity faithfully depicted revolutionary Paris.
- Assassin’s Creed Origins brought Ancient Egypt to life, with stunning recreations of Giza, Memphis, and Alexandria.
Ubisoft even consulted historians and architects to make these virtual cities as close to reality as possible. Walking through the streets of these games often feels like stepping into a living history book.
7. Yakuza Series – Based on Kabukicho, Tokyo
SEGA’s Yakuza series is heavily inspired by Kabukicho, the famous red-light district of Tokyo. Kamurocho, the fictional district where most of the games take place, mimics Kabukicho’s neon-lit streets, bustling nightlife, and underground criminal underworld.
Fans of Tokyo will instantly recognize the narrow alleyways, hostess clubs, and towering signs that make Kamurocho feel like a digital doppelgänger of its real-world counterpart.
Why It Works: Familiarity Breeds Immersion
When developers draw from real-world locations, it adds a layer of believability and immersion to the game. Players recognize familiar landmarks, cultural cues, and even small details like how a city is laid out or how people interact in public spaces.
By blending reality with creativity, these games create worlds that feel grounded yet still open to exploration and storytelling.
Conclusion
The best virtual worlds often have one foot in reality and one in fantasy. Whether it’s the sunny streets of Los Santos or the rain-soaked alleys of Kamurocho, the real world continues to be an endless source of inspiration for game designers.
So next time you step into a digital world, remember—you might be walking through a city that exists just a plane ticket away.
Comments
Post a Comment