If Tetris or Super Mario come to mind when you think of a fun video game, you’ll be relieved to know that video games have come a long way in the last few decades. Video games nowadays serve a variety of functions, including those of an educational aid, a tool for social reform, and simply a source of entertainment. However, as the size of the industry grows on a daily basis, so does the selection of games available. We have been presented with several truly outstanding games over the years that have served to motivate and shape our interests, both large and small. 

As a result, we gathered a few of our employees for a roundtable discussion and asked them about the video games that have influenced their travels and why: 

Favorite video game series: Uncharted

“So far, I’ve finished all of the Uncharted games… 

I believe the first one came out around the time I was still in college and starting to think about where I wanted to live and what I wanted to do after graduation. I wouldn’t even call myself a gamer, but something about Drake and the way he approaches life drew me in right away. He travels to a wide range of locations, almost always venturing off the beaten path. Even though it was only a game, it inspired me to stop worrying so much and have more faith in my own abilities and bravery. 

As soon as I finished the third game in record time, I realized it was time for me to embark on my own adventure. I had no idea what I was going to do once I arrived in Peru, but I booked a flight there anyway. I didn’t have to cross any chasms or climb any derailed trains, but I did have an adventure similar to Uncharted, thanks to the seeds planted in my head by the games a few years ago. 

Tomb Raider is the chosen video game

“One of my favorite games has always been Tomb Raider. I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but seeing a strong female lead in a video game is always encouraging, which is why I’ve recently fallen in love with Lara Croft. This game is fantastic because it tells the story of her very first adventure, which takes place on the island of Yamatai, which is an ancient Japanese country that is now a part of modern-day Japan (or so the story goes). 

As someone who has always wanted to visit Asia, I found myself paying special attention to the forested scenery as well as the architecture influenced by ancient Japan and China. It’s a great game if you want an adventure that doesn’t require you to leave your apartment, but be warned: it inspired me to visit some historical landmarks across the Pacific, which cost me more money than the game itself. This is the game for you if you want an adventure that doesn’t require you to leave your apartment. Well, whatever!” 

The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim is the preferred game 

When it comes to games, this one has everything! I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a piece of artwork in a video game that compares to the map’s beauty. The first time I played it, I was convinced I had to visit New Zealand. Then it was the Rockies in Canada, and then it was Bavaria in Germany — Skyrim draws inspiration from everywhere on the planet. 

A game like Elder Scrolls, in which you can interact with the environment as much or as little as you want, helped to reinforce the importance of getting off the beaten path and paving your own path when traveling, which is something I try to remember when I go on vacation. But I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself. Oh, and don’t forget to strike up conversations with new people in unusual settings, as this will help you figure out which gloomy tunnels to avoid. 

The chosen video game is Okami

I tried out this game for the first time when I was around 11 or 12, and I’ve made it a point to play it once every couple of years since then. Everything about Okami is extremely stylized, which is understandable given that it is a Japanese game designed by a Japanese designer and takes place in Japan. 

The story contains a significant amount of folklore, which encouraged me as a child to keep my vivid imagination and insatiable curiosity (both of which are desirable qualities in a traveler, right?). In the video game, you play as Okami Amaterasu, a white wolf, and your mission is to lift a curse that has been placed on feudal Japan. You visit a variety of locations, including shrines, forests, and villages, and the entire experience is visually stimulating. I dare anyone to play this game and not immediately begin making travel plans to Japan. 

The Assassin’s Creed video game series is recommended 

“I played my first Assassin’s Creed game during the summer of 2010, while still in school, and I haven’t thought about it much since. Ubisoft may have direct access to the funds in my bank account. I don’t care if it’s all virtual because the sense of wonder you get when climbing to the top of The Vatican… 

That hasn’t happened in any of the other games. I’ve visited many of the locations visited by Ezio in Assassin’s Creed II, and what makes it so cool is that you can rediscover many famous landmarks in an entirely new light. I’ve visited many of the locations visited by Ezio in the game. It’s also fascinating to see how these vast cities, villages, and provinces looked during the Renaissance (as well as the countless other periods that the games have visited). The stories about Ezio’s exploits make me want to visit Italy more than ever.