Gaming has long intertwined with other creative mediums. In 2024, acclaimed TV series like Fallout and Arcane broke the curse that long plagued game-to-film adaptations. Video game movie adaptations will be on every screen in 2025. While developers have drawn significant inspiration from filmmakers, who have returned the favor in recent years, the gaming industry has also been inspired by literature. From fantasy sagas to sci-fi epics, books have allowed developers to either expand upon existing lore or reimagine it with absolute creative freedom. So, here are some standout titles that seamlessly blend gaming and literature.
Cinders
If you’re barely stepping into the gaming world, joysticks and controllers can seem daunting. You might be more comfortable with a straightforward graphic novel like Cinders, with simple enough mechanics to welcome beginners – and enough storytelling depth to spark their interest. Cinders offers a more mature take on the Cinderella story. Its main protagonist still suffers under the cruelty of her overbearing stepmother and stepsisters.
However, the game dives into the deeper motivations and vulnerabilities of all four characters, exploring themes like personal freedom and sisterhood without shying away from nuance and complexity. Cinderella herself is far from your average romanticized heroine, as you can guide her toward morally ambiguous decisions, shaping her journey in unexpected ways. With over 300 player choices and countless alternate endings, this well-written visual novel delivers a thought-provoking spin on this timeless rags-to-riches story.
The Witcher saga
For gamers, The Witcher franchise needs little introduction. Its monster-hunting adventures have captivated millions of players, with the series selling over 75 million units worldwide – including 50 million copies for The Witcher 3, often considered one of the best role-playing games ever. A Netflix show cemented the saga’s mainstream appeal.
Yet, it all started in 1986 when Polish novelist Andrzej Sapkowski submitted a reimagining of a popular folktale to a writing competition. The story’s popularity expanded into a full-fledged fantasy series, consisting of nine novels and 15 short stories. While the franchise’s immense success on console and PC may have eclipsed these original works, now is the right time for gamers and readers to dive into The Witcher’s intricate lore and rich characters, as The Witcher 4 is currently undergoing development.
The Metro series
The Metro franchise is a prime example of successful synergy between mediums. This series of first-person shooter games doesn’t just draw inspiration from a novel – it actively interweaves its narrative with the books penned by Russian author Dmitry Glukhovsky. Both the games and novels share a common post-apocalyptic setting in a devastated Russia rendered uninhabitable by nuclear strikes, exploring life in the metro tunnels where humanity struggles to survive.
Released in 2010, the first game closely adapts Glukhovsky’s 2002 novel, titled Metro 2033. Subsequent installments establish a unique interplay, enticing players to delve into Metro 2034 and Metro 2035 to gain a deeper understanding of the saga. The series reached its conclusion in 2019 with Metro Exodus, which garnered critical acclaim for its atmosphere and thrilling storyline. If you own a VR headset, you may also enjoy the recent Metro Awakening.
The Watch Dogs franchise
Watch Dogs offers an interesting twist on the book-to-video game formula. Instead of drawing its story from a book, the first game expanded its universe through an original novel that ties directly into its events. Watch Dogs: Dark Clouds debuted digitally on the same day as the original installment. The response from fans was overwhelmingly positive, prompting the publication of many more tie-in comic books and novels. The series developed a cult following for its immersive open world and smooth combat mechanics.
Players also praised its exhilarating side missions and gambling minigames, although the latter can feel slightly repetitive for seasoned players, who may explore online platforms instead. Crypto enthusiasts might even try their luck on bitcoin casinos. To get started, they can browse comprehensive listings published by industry experts. Every recommended website has been properly vetted and complies with licensing regulations. Using advanced tools and filters, players can also compare casino offers and bonuses to get more bang for their cryptocurrencies.
The connection between books and video games goes deep. From roguelike titles reinventing classic fairytales like Lies of P to Lovecraftian horror stories like Call of Cthulhu, many more games take inspiration from literature. If you’re not quite an experienced gamer, you may also gravitate toward story-driven, text-heavy visual novels whose point-and-click mechanics are completely beginner-friendly.
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