Video games have frequently turned to ancient mythologies for rich source materials for stories, characters, and worlds. From Greek gods to Norse tales, such myths offer developers the base to come up with great stories for their games. So, why is it that ancient mythologies are some of the most trusted IPs in gaming? Let’s explore.
Why Old Mythologies Work Great In Games
So many ancient myths tell stories of gods and heroes, monsters and epic quests. These stories have endured for thousands of years and continue to captivate audiences. Such a narrative universality leaves the characters well-suited to video games, which feed off strong storytelling and memorable characters.
Mythologies offer a ready-made universe with a sophisticated past, which enables developers to avoid starting from a blank page. For instance, games such as God of War, which explores a future modern world using Greek and Norse mythology as a departure point, allow players to get up close and personal with popular gods and mythical creatures. Kratos, a once peripheral figure in Greek myths, is a powerful warrior who contends with gods such as Zeus and Thor. This produces a narrative that seamlessly combine age-old myths with new layers.
Popular Video Games Based on Mythology
Some of the most popular video games draw inspiration from ancient myths. Games such as Hades and Immortals Fenyx Rising breathe new life into Greek mythology, giving us colourful worlds filled with diverse characters. The gist of Hades is that you find yourself playing as Zagreus, the son of Hades, trying to break free from the underworld and meeting gods and monsters on your travels. The game is recognised for its storytelling and its fresh take on mythology; it even changes the gods’ depiction to better suit a wider cultural perspective.
Everyone knows Greek and Norse myths, but other ancient myths, like the Egyptians, also have so much cool stuff. For example, Egyptian mythology includes the gods Ra and Osiris, numerous elaborate stories about what happens after death, and symbols like the Eye of Horus, all of which could lead to interesting gameplay scenarios and stories to tell.
For instance, games such as Assassin’s Creed Origins have brought to life Ancient Egypt, while games such as SMITE have adopted Egyptian deities as part of their playable characters. But additional games that draw on Egyptian mythology could bring fresh perspectives and shine a spotlight on under-represented cultures, providing players with new experiences beyond the same old Greek and Norse titbits.
Why Myth is Still a Rock-Solid IP
Mythology is a reliable intellectual property for gaming because it marries relatable aspects with fantasy and can reach a very broad audience. Mythologies are a treasure store of magic, gods, and monsters; players tend to enjoy settings and universes rich in such beings. Myths aren’t written in stone; they’re loose enough that with a little creative licence, they can be turned around to fit other kinds of games.
Also, mythology-themed games usually teach us about ancient cultures and their beliefs in an interactive way. This mix between fun and educational enriches gaming experience.
Conclusion
From the heroes of Greek myths, such as Theseus, and epic battles from Norse sagas, to the mystical symbols such as the Eye of Horus from Egyptian lore, writers and artists can be inspired by the rich tapestries woven in these old fables. Now that the gaming industry has continued to grow, new and exciting games based on mythology will grab players everywhere.
