For many gamers, the worlds they explore in video games hold a special place in their hearts. From sprawling fantasy realms to historically accurate settings, video game environments often serve as virtual playgrounds where players can immerse themselves in epic adventures. But what if you could step off the screen and into the real-life locations that inspired these iconic game worlds? In this article, we’ll take a look at 10 travel destinations around the world where video game fans can discover the magic of their favorite games in person.
Kyoto, Japan – Inspiration for The Legend of Zelda Series
Kyoto, with its ancient temples, lush forests, and picturesque countryside, served as a major source of inspiration for the creators of The Legend of Zelda series. Fans of the franchise can visit iconic landmarks such as the Fushimi Inari Shrine and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to experience the same sense of wonder and adventure that they felt while exploring the kingdom of Hyrule.
Dubrovnik, Croatia – Setting for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones
Fans of the hit HBO series Game of Thrones can visit the historic city of Dubrovnik, Croatia, which served as the filming location for the fictional capital of Westeros, King’s Landing. With its medieval architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and stunning coastal views, Dubrovnik offers visitors a chance to step into the world of dragons, knights, and political intrigue.
Edinburgh, Scotland – Inspiration for the World of Harry Potter
J.K. Rowling drew inspiration from the enchanting city of Edinburgh when creating the magical world of Harry Potter. Visitors can explore sites such as the Elephant House Café, where Rowling wrote much of the first book, and the streets of Old Town, which bear a striking resemblance to the winding alleyways of Diagon Alley.
Petra, Jordan – Setting for the Treasury in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
The ancient city of Petra, with its elaborate rock-cut architecture and stunning desert landscapes, served as the backdrop for the climactic scene in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Visitors can hike through the narrow canyon known as the Siq to reach the iconic Treasury, just as Indiana Jones did in the film. Did you like the article? Read also about Games and travel.
New York City, USA – Setting for Spider-Man and Grand Theft Auto
New York City has been featured in countless video games, from the sprawling open-world of Spider-Man to the gritty urban landscape of Grand Theft Auto. Fans can explore iconic landmarks such as Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty while retracing the footsteps of their favorite video game characters.
Machu Picchu, Peru – Inspiration for Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
The lost city of Machu Picchu, nestled high in the Andes Mountains, served as the inspiration for the fictional city of Shambhala in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. Visitors can hike the Inca Trail to reach this ancient archaeological site and marvel at the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Prague, Czech Republic – Setting for Kingdom Come: Deliverance
The medieval city of Prague provided the inspiration for the open-world RPG Kingdom Come: Deliverance. With its well-preserved historic architecture, winding streets, and imposing castle, Prague offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the rich medieval history and culture that inspired the game.
Florence, Italy – Setting for Assassin’s Creed II
Assassin’s Creed II transports players to the Renaissance city of Florence, where they can climb towering cathedrals, explore bustling marketplaces, and navigate the intricate canal system. Fans of the game can visit iconic landmarks such as the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery while retracing the footsteps of the game’s protagonist, Ezio Auditore.
Chernobyl, Ukraine – Setting for S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl
The abandoned city of Pripyat, near the site of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, served as the inspiration for the post-apocalyptic world of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl. Visitors can take guided tours of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone to explore the eerie ruins of Pripyat and learn about the tragic events that inspired the game.
Paris, France – Setting for Assassin’s Creed Unity
Assassin’s Creed Unity transports players to the bustling streets of Revolutionary Paris, where they can explore iconic landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Palace of Versailles, and the Bastille. Fans of the game can visit these historic sites while immersing themselves in the rich history and culture of one of the world’s most iconic cities.
Conclusion: For video game fans, the opportunity to explore real-life locations that inspired their favorite games is a dream come true. Whether it’s wandering the streets of Dubrovnik, scaling the peaks of Machu Picchu, or exploring the temples of Kyoto, these travel destinations offer a chance to step into the virtual worlds that have captured our imaginations. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and embark on an epic adventure to discover the magic of video games in the real world.
For more information on the worlds of video games and their real-life inspirations, you can visit Wikipedia’s page on video game standardization here.