From Notre-Dame to the Colosseum: How Video Games Bring Architectural Masterpieces to Life

It has become an essential part of the game world, shaping the atmosphere, deepening the storyline, and often influencing gameplay. In some games, architecture is not just a spatial object but a significant element that plays a key role in understanding the story, interacting with the environment, and solving puzzles. Architectural styles, the scale of buildings, and attention to detail all contribute to creating a unique atmosphere where players not only navigate but also feel immersed in this world.

What is especially important is that architecture in games is often inspired by real historical buildings, iconic structures, or cultural traditions. This allows players to not only immerse themselves in the atmosphere but also learn about significant architectural concepts and historical periods. As a result, architecture becomes not just a visual tool but an integral part of what makes the game engaging and meaningful to the player.

Games Where Architecture Becomes the Main Character

In a number of video games, architecture goes beyond being just a backdrop and becomes a vital element of gameplay, sometimes even the main character. These are games where every corner of the world, every building, is carefully designed and holds deep significance. Architecture not only helps create a unique atmosphere but also serves as a functional element, actively influencing the gameplay.

1. Assassin's Creed (Series)
   The Assassin's Creed  series is a prime example of how architecture serves as an essential part of the gaming experience. In each installment, the attention to historical buildings and structures is impressive. In Assassin's Creed Unity , Paris is recreated with astonishing accuracy. Historical buildings and landmarks, such as Notre-Dame and the Pantheon, become not just a backdrop for the character's actions but also key elements of the plot and mechanics. The architecture of these structures influences stealth strategies, exploration, and helps immerse the player in the time period.
2. The Talos Principle
   In The Talos Principle , architecture is used to create a philosophical context. The game takes place on a deserted island where the player encounters ancient ruins that hold answers to complex questions about life, artificial intelligence, and existence. Unlike Assassin's Creed , where the architecture is historical, here, its elements immerse the player in abstract reflections and puzzles, creating space for deep contemplation. The structures, blending antiquity and futurism, are not just decorations but active elements where players must search for clues and solutions.
3. Bioshock Infinite
   The architecture of the city of Columbia in Bioshock Infinite  serves not only as a backdrop but also as an integral part of the social and political atmosphere of the game. The aerial city, built in a retrofuturistic style, is filled with majestic buildings that reflect the ideology of its creators. The architectural decisions in Bioshock Infinite  not only emphasize the contrast between the city’s outward prosperity and its internal decay, but also help explore themes of power, control, and social justice.
4. The Witness
   In The Witness , the island where the game takes place is not just a beautiful location, but a carefully designed space where architecture is a key part of the puzzles. The structures on the island interact with the game’s mechanics, helping solve challenges that gradually reveal the mysteries of this world. Every architectural element serves a functional purpose, and it is through interacting with this space that players receive clues to progress through the story.
5. Minecraft
   Minecraft  is a game where architecture becomes the main tool for player expression. Building and destruction become the core mechanics, and in this process, architecture takes on a special role. Players can create cities, castles, temples, and even entire worlds using the elements of the surrounding environment. In Minecraft, architecture gives the player the ability not only to create but also to interact with the world they build, bringing creativity and freedom into the game.
6. World of Warcraft Classic – 20th Anniversary
   In the World of Warcraft Classic 20th Anniversary  edition, architecture plays a crucial role in the nostalgic journey through the game's iconic locations. From the towering spires of Stormwind to the ancient, crumbling walls of Ironforge, every structure has its own story, steeped in history. The design of the world draws players deeper into the immersive experience of Azeroth. Whether revisiting these places for the first time or rediscovering them after years, architecture remains a central part of the gameplay. For those looking to quickly catch up and experience the beauty of Azeroth without the grind, consider clicking here  for a quick boost to your progress — a great way to enhance your adventure and focus on the stunning architectural landmarks of the game.

In these games, architecture is not limited to simple background elements. It is an integral part of the experience, influencing the atmosphere, plot, and even the mechanics of the game.

Historical Architecture in Games: Immersion in the Past

Games featuring historical architecture do more than just recreate iconic landmarks; they immerse players in the unique atmosphere of different eras. These games act as virtual time machines, where architecture is not merely a backdrop, but an essential part of the story and gameplay.

1. Assassin's Creed: Recreating Historical Landmarks
The Assassin's Creed  series is one of the best examples of accurately recreating famous historical landmarks. The game features iconic monuments such as Notre-Dame in Paris , the Colosseum in Rome, and the Pantheon , which are not only visually stunning but also crucial to the gameplay experience. In Assassin's Creed Unity , for instance, Paris is recreated with remarkable accuracy, and Notre-Dame plays an important role, not just in terms of visual appeal, but in key plot points. Historical buildings and monuments become more than just a backdrop, influencing stealth, exploration, and combat mechanics.

2. Rome: Total War: Simulation of Ancient Roman Architecture
In Rome: Total War , players are immersed in Ancient Rome, where architecture, including the Colosseum and Pantheon, plays a significant role. The Colosseum, in particular, is not only a symbol of the city but also a strategic element that can be used to train or boost the morale of troops. This game allows players to not only witness the grandeur of ancient Roman architecture but also to understand its importance in the context of historical events.

3. Civilization VI: The Great Wonders of the World
In Civilization VI , historical architecture is part of the strategic gameplay. The game features world-renowned landmarks such as the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids of Giza , which play a crucial role in the development of your civilization. Constructing these historical wonders not only provides benefits but also helps players understand the significance of these monuments in real history. Each landmark contributes to the development of culture, science, and economics in your civilization.

4. Assassin's Creed Origins: Immersion in Ancient Egypt
In Assassin's Creed Origins , the architecture of Ancient Egypt, including monumental structures like the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx , is integral to the game world. These awe-inspiring landmarks are not just decorative elements but pivotal points for exploration and combat. The pyramids and other monuments play a key role in creating an authentic atmosphere, allowing players to experience the grandeur and mystery of Ancient Egypt.

5. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: Medieval Castles and Villages
Though The Witcher 3  is more of a fantasy game, the medieval architecture within it deserves special mention. Players can explore castles, villages, and ruins , all built in the style of medieval Europe. These locations help players grasp the atmosphere of the time, creating a sense that they are truly living in a world rich with history. Structures like Kaer Morhen Castle or the ruins of ancient settlements carry the weight of the past, making the journey through the game’s world both engaging and educational.

6. Total War: Attila: The Fall of the Roman Empire
In Total War: Attila , the game offers a unique look into the decline of the Western Roman Empire, where the destruction of monumental Roman buildings and the collapse of cities play an important role in the storyline. Players witness how one of the most powerful empires in history fell, leaving behind only ruins, including iconic buildings like the Colosseum and the Pantheon . These architectural landmarks become symbols of decay and destruction, evoking a deep sense of tragedy.

Historical architecture in video games is more than just a beautiful backdrop. It is an essential part of the gameplay that not only enhances the atmosphere but also serves as a vehicle for storytelling, allowing players to immerse themselves in the past and experience the significance of humanity's cultural and architectural achievements.

When Architecture Breaks the Boundaries of Reality

In many games, architecture becomes more than just a backdrop; it turns into a vital element that pushes the boundaries of reality. In these worlds, buildings, streets, and entire cities do not follow the laws of physics and become an integral part of the unique gameplay, provoking new perceptions and ideas. Here, architecture is not just a decoration but an active participant in the events, expanding the possibilities for solving puzzles and creating a deep atmosphere.

One vivid example is Monument Valley , where architecture overturns our notions of space. The structures in this world do not follow conventional rules of perspective and geometry. Players find themselves in landscapes where staircases lead nowhere and bridges connect different levels at impossible angles. In this world, architecture serves not only to create puzzles but also to immerse players in a space where the environment changes and adapts to the game's needs.

A similar idea can be seen in Antichamber , where players encounter a world where the usual laws of physics no longer apply. Hallways that disappear, buildings that shift their shape, and simple solutions that turn into complex problems force players to view architecture as something more than mere set pieces. It becomes the key to unlocking the mysteries, making players explore and rethink each space, stepping beyond logic and traditional concepts.

In Inside , architecture plays a role in conveying mood and themes. The world in which players find themselves is stark and oppressive, but the structures—factories, buildings, and other forms—are filled with symbolism that prompts contemplation on dark themes like control and freedom. In these worlds, architecture is not just about setting the atmosphere; it actively shapes the narrative, becoming part of the story itself.

Here, architecture breaks free from traditional forms and plays an active role, not only creating a visual narrative but also influencing the progression of the game. In these worlds, space is not just for movement; it interacts with concepts, metaphors, and the game’s philosophy. Players, within these unique constructions, do not simply solve puzzles or pass levels—they explore new forms of interaction with a world where architecture catalyzes ideas and new possibilities.

Conclusion

Architecture in games has evolved beyond being just a backdrop for action. It has become an active part of the gaming experience, influencing atmosphere, perception, and even the storyline. From historical and realistic buildings like Notre-Dame or the Colosseum to fantastical structures where the laws of physics and time no longer apply, architecture in games demonstrates how multifunctional and significant it can be. It does more than just decorate—it immerses players in the world of the game, unlocking new levels of interaction and thinking, making each gaming experience unique and memorable.