5 Best Video Games Based on Real Events

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Early video games were basic, often simulating sports like in the game Tennis for Two. It took a while, but games eventually started to recreate real-world events. Many popular games, such as the first Call of Duty titles and the Medal of Honor series, are based on wars and conflicts like World War II, using actual historical events in their gameplay. However, some games go even further, meticulously recreating real events and featuring real people. Here are five of the best examples, presented in no specific order.

1) The Saboteur

Set in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, The Saboteur puts you in the role of Sean Devlin, a character inspired by real-life British racecar driver and spy William Grover-Williams. The game combines driving, shooting, and exploration within an open-world Paris, tasking you with espionage missions similar to those undertaken during the war. Despite being a strong game that vividly portrays the risks faced by the French Resistance, it was released alongside popular titles like Assassin’s Creed and Grand Theft Auto, which negatively impacted sales and ultimately led to the closure of its development studio.

2) That Dragon, Cancer

Prepare to be deeply moved if you play That Dragon, Cancer, a game based on the true story of a child’s battle with cancer. Created by Ryan and Amy Green, whose son Joel fought cancer for four years before passing away in 2014 at just four years old, the game puts you in the shoes of the parents as they navigate the emotional journey. It’s a challenging experience, presented as a point-and-click adventure, but it’s also beautifully crafted and powerfully moving. While incredibly difficult, many find it to be a surprisingly helpful way to process grief and loss.

3) This War of Mine

Inspired by the Siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s and other conflicts, This War of Mine offers a unique perspective on war by focusing on the struggles of civilians, not soldiers. Players make difficult decisions each day to ensure their survival, and these choices ultimately determine the fate of each character. The game has been highly successful, selling almost 10 million copies and expanding into a board game and downloadable content.

4) Syrian Warfare

Syrian Warfare is a unique strategy game because it focuses on the Syrian Civil War from the point of view of the forces supporting Bashar al-Assad. Given what most people know about the conflict, this means you’ll be playing as the side often seen as the ‘bad guys,’ particularly in Western viewpoints. The game features a detailed storyline based on actual events from the war and offers solid tactical gameplay. However, it hasn’t gained much popularity outside of countries like China and Russia, which is understandable considering its perspective.

5) Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30

Released in 2005, Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 was the first game in the Brothers in Arms series. It was inspired by a History Channel special of the same name and aimed to realistically portray actual World War II missions, soldiers, and equipment. While many first-person shooter games are set in WWII, Brothers in Arms stands out for its commitment to historical accuracy and focus on telling true stories from the war. It proved to be a successful launch, spawning a larger franchise.

Hey everyone! I’m super curious – what’s your go-to game that’s actually based on something that really happened? I’m always looking for new ones to try. Hit me with your recommendations in the ComicBook Forum – let’s chat about it!

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2026-04-23 16:16