For most people, it’s a dream vacation that stretches from Sicily up to Venice. The nation is one of the most-visited place son earth thanks to its elevated tourist offerings. From ancient ruins to modern gastronomical feats to world-renowned art, Italy seems to have it all.
In fact, some of its history even intersects with gaming. Though gaming isn’t usually associated with history, this industry has also been impacted by cultures and traditions—Italy included. For example, the Casino di Venezia is actually one of the world’s oldest casinos, set in a magnificent Venetian palace.
While few people would imagine gaming when they think about Venice, its longstanding emphasis on casino culture has helped pave the way for modern hits. Today, the world’s most popular selection is slots, which can be played online or in person. Leading titles like Book of Dead for example, even make a tie between ancient history and contemporary gaming.
But the Casino di Venezia’s influence on modern slots like Book of Dead is just the tip of the iceberg. Slots aside, you can actually experience parts of Italy strictly through gaming. As one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, it’s no surprise that game developers regularly lean on the country for game inspiration.
Want to explore the country through video games? Try out these titles first.
Ever dreamed of exploring the Tuscan countryside? It’s a bucket list location for many. But with this game, you’re being taken to the region in order to solve a bone-chilling mystery. Set during the post-WWII era, the game follows one sister Giulia as she attempts to uncover the root of her sister’s disappearance.
The game includes complex mysteries and puzzles, which are balanced with explorations of the beautiful Tuscan countryside. There’s also a strong social and narrative element, which picks apart the lifestyle of Tuscany. While the content is a bit dark, as it’s centered around an unsolved mystery, this is a great choice for those who don’t like fast-paced video games.
The slot favorite above, Book of Dead, follows a titular hero named Rich Wilde as he seeks out forgotten artifacts around the world. The hero is loosely based on similar champions of the gaming world, like Lara Croft and, in this case, Nathan Drake. Nathan Drake is the main character of the Uncharted action-adventure series.
In the fourth installation, players head to the Amalfi Coast where they’re responsible for working through their mother’s diaries. Though the game only briefly features the Amalfi Coast in the starting missions, locals and visitors will immediately recognize architecture from the village of Salerno.
This short-and-sweet indie game takes players straight back to the Italy of the 1970s. More specifically, it covers the road trip down the Aurelia toward France. Along the way, players can interact with an intriguing range of characters. Every decision drives the outcome of the game.
Though its run time is very short—designed for twenty-minute gaming sessions—the sheer number of possible endings keeps many players hooked. Some also enjoy the historical accuracy of the settings, dialogue, and choices. If you’re new to gaming and don’t know too much about action-adventure mechanics, Wheels of Aurelia is a great place to start.
This game is a spin-off from the Skyrim world that proved so popular it got its own release. The game is set in an underground city that runs according to its own morality code. Those who break the code are turned into gold statues. Sounds intriguing?
This game is loosely based on the era of the Roman Empire and is set around the Tiber River. Rather than deliver on historical accuracy, the game takes more fantastical risks. The result is a re-playable game that touches on many ancient Roman themes, from architecture to law to religion. If you enjoy history but don't want a boring take, start here.
