Exploring the world by visiting the filming locations of beloved movies has long been a popular pastime.
Places like Thailand, inspired by the series “The White Lotus,” and New Zealand, home to the epic landscapes of “Lord of the Rings,” have gained fame thanks to their cinematic allure.
However, a new travel trend is emerging, fueled not by films but by video games.
As many online games are set in real-world locales, travelers are eager to discover unique ways to experience these destinations.
For gaming enthusiasts, immersing themselves in the environments of their favorite games has become increasingly appealing, a phenomenon euronews has coined as “gaming vacations” or “gami-vacations.”
These immersive travel experiences are particularly attractive to younger travelers, who are keen to engage with the world in interactive and innovative ways.
Here’s some of the top destinations to visit inspired by video games…
France
The French Alps, popular among outdoor sports enthusiasts, have featured in many video games
Space Invaders and Pokemon Legends Z-A have both allegedly drawn inspiration from Paris – and the French capital is full of activities for any gamers looking for an alternative way to view the city.
Plus, conventions and events such as Paris Games Week draw in tourists of the gaming variety.
The Assassin’s Creed games also feature much of the city of love, too. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: The Siege of Paris naturally displays many sights, as does Assassin’s Creed Unity.
You’ll want to visit landmarks such as Notre Dame and the river Seine.
It’s not just Paris, either – the French Alps are a hugely popular backdrop for video games, and have been featured in sport and adventure games such as Syberia.
USA
San Francisco, with its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, is popular among gamers
Unsurprisingly, the US is home to many iconic video game locations.
X:Men: Destiny, for instance, features the beautiful city of San Francisco, which you can visit on a trip to the city – and make a quick stop at Alcatraz.
Meanwhile, New York City is a favourite among gamers, not only because it hosts gaming conventions such as PLAY.nyc.
It’s also the backdrop for games such as the GTA series, Spider-Man and The Division.
Egypt
The pyramids of Giza, located in Cairo, are a major tourist attraction
Egypt and its imposing pyramids have appeared in many video games, from Assassin’s Creed Origins to Pharaoh: A New Era and Civilization series.
Sure, they’re beautiful to see, but they also offer an imposing and immersive experience, perfect for gamers.
There’s plenty more to see in the country, too, with the River Nile being a highlight.
Italy
The island of Capri on the Amalfi Coast in Italy is a suprising backdrop to some games
Italian cities are instantly recognisable – from Rome’s Colosseum to the canals of Venice, the hotspots have featured in countless films and many video games.
The Assassin’s Creed series has played out in places such as Venice, Florence and Rome, and are well worth a visit.
But if you want a bit more sunshine and beautiful beaches – still with the gaming credentials – head to Capri.
As the setting for the game Anacapri The Dream, it’s a perfect coastal spot with a twist.
Norway
Flørli village – and the fjord views that make Norway’s scenery so impressive
Norway, with its impressive landscapes and rural islands, is the next must-visit destination for video gamers.
One of the best-known games set in the country include God of War Ragnarök – which displays the mountains in Jotunheim.
Plus, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla brings into the spotlight Norway’s fjords, as well as the village of Flørli.
Japan
Tokyo in Japan is a high-tech city known for its popular video games
This final spot is perhaps less surprising, with Tokyo appearing in countless video games.
This includes JRPG Persona 5, Ghostwire: Tokyo, Jet Set Radio, and the Yakuza (Like a Dragon) series.
The famous Akihabara District (also known as Akiba) in Tokyo is also the heart of gaming, filled with games and shops.
Plus, you can visit the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo, a key attraction for fans of the popular video game.
