The world is a gorgeous place filled with many jaw-dropping cities and landmarks. There’s a reason why real-life locations keep popping up in gaming. Video games allow you to experience the most stunning places on Earth in ways that are impossible in reality.
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While not as common as fictional settings, real-life locations still often show up in games, bringing a sense of wonder and imagination to everyday places. you’re able to fly through the skies over your hometown or explore a city you’ve always dreamed of visiting. No matter how often they appear in gaming, it’s always fascinating to see each studio’s take on the world’s most famous locations.
10Washington D.C. - Over 75 Appearances
When you think about fun locations for a game, the city where the United States government votes on policies may not be an obvious choice. But its instantly recognizable landmarks and historical value make the United States capital an interesting setting for video games.
Washington D.C. has appeared in over 75 games, most commonly in action titles, first-person shooters, and flight simulators. Many engaging stories have been told in this iconic city. Some notable ones includePayday 2, Fallout 3, andCall Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.
9Chicago - Over 75 Appearances
Arguably the most famous city in Illinois, Chicago can be seen in over 75 titles spanning a wide variety of genres. Whether you’re uncovering a conspiracy in the N64 classicPerfect Darkor searching the streets for your niece’s killer inWatch Dogs, the Windy City is home to many thrilling plots and adventures.
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Chicago has also appeared as a stage in many titles, including TimeSplitters 2, Rock Band 2, and Tekken. In addition, it was the main setting of the second DLC pack forWolfenstein 2: The New Colossus. There’s certainly a lot to do in this famous city.
8Las Vegas - Over 80 Appearances
Las Vegas is so bright you’re able to see it from space. It almost sounds too good to be true. The dazzling lights and neon signs make it a slight to behold and a great setting for a video game.
Sin City has been featured in over 80 titles, containingsome incredible games. You can protect the city from a malicious army in Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Vegas or explore the city’s post-apocalyptic ruins inHorizon: Forbidden Westand Fallout: New Vegas. It continues to be a popular setting and shows no signs of slowing down.
7Hong Kong - Over 100 Appearances
Hong Kong has appeared over 100 times in video games and is most prominently featured in the fighting genre. Hong Kong is the birthplace of severalStreet Fightercharacters, including Jamie Siu and Fei Long, and has provided many gorgeous levels throughout the series.
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In addition to Street Fighter, the city can be seen in the Tekken,Fatal Fury, and King Of Fighters series. Outside of fighting games, Hong Kong serves as the setting of Sleeping Dogs, published by Square Enix, where you explore the city and investigate crimes as an undercover police officer.
6Paris - Over 120 Appearances
Paris is a breathtaking city that everyone should experience at least once. The Eiffel Tower and the river Seine are just a fraction of what this stunning place has to offer. Paris has made over 120 appearances in video games and has been featured in many engaging storiesand fantastic adventures.
Whether you’re searching for your father’s murderer in Assassin’s Creed Unity, exploring the catacombs as Lara Croft in Tomb Raider 3, or carrying out a masterful heist in Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus, Paris is always a treat to visit.
5San Francisco - Over 140 Appearances
When you see the Golden Gate Bridge, you immediately know where you are. San Francisco has shown up in over 140 video games. Some of the most notable ones include Watch Dogs 2, Fallout 2, Horizon: Forbidden West, and Far Cry New Dawn.
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San Francisco’s iconic palm trees and unique slanting roads should look familiar if you’re aSegafan. This beautiful coastal city is heavily featured in the Crazy Taxi series and even served as the inspiration for City Escape in Sonic Adventure 2.
4Los Angeles - Over 170 Appearances
Los Angeles is one of the most famous cities in the United States, so it’s no surprise that many games take place there. L.A. has appeared in over 170 titles, many of which come from the Call Of Duty, Terminator, and Tony Hawk series.
If you like solving crimes, you’re in luck here. Los Angeles is home to many outstanding mystery games, such asL.A. Noire, a gritty detective thriller where you solve crimes in the 1940s. Even the English localization of theAce Attorneyseries takes place in Los Angeles, though they didn’t change the backgrounds to reflect that. This leads fans to affectionately refer to the setting as “Japanifornia.”
3Tokyo - Over 200 Appearances
Tokyo is truly a stunning sight to see. The culture, food, entertainment, and wealth of things to do make it a must for any fans of traveling. Considering how many video game studios are based in Japan, it makes sense why so many games are set there.
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Tokyo has appeared in over 200 titles, including AI: The Somnium Files, Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE, and The World Ends With You. Sega and Atlus games commonly take place in Tokyo as well, such as Jet Set Radio, the Shin Megami Tensei series, the Yakuza games, andPersona 5, one of the best depictions of Tokyo in a video game.
2London - Over 230 Appearances
London is one of the most famous cities in the world, and there’s no shortage of games that take place there. The capital of the United Kingdom has appeared in over 230 video games, includingStreet Fighter 6, Fallout: London, and Assassin’s Creed Syndicate. Even theGrand Theft Autoseries had a title based in London back when it was in 2D.
When it comes to detective games, there’s no better place to look. There are many Sherlock Holmes games for you to play, not to mention Professor Layton And The Unwound Future and The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles.
1New York City - Over 450 Appearances
New York City has starred inmany incredible titles. The Big Apple is always busy. Every day there are bustling sidewalks, busy streets, and people rushing to catch the train. If that wasn’t enough, superheroes are flying around, Mario characters are racing through the streets, and giant turtles are fighting bad guys in the sewers.
Manhattan has been featured in over 450 games. A large portion of that list is made up ofSpider-Mantitles and theTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtlesseries. Other notable appearances include Deus Ex, Ghostbusters: The Video Game, Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. There’s never a dull moment in the city that never sleeps.
