Over the years, video games have evolved from simple color blocks into very realistic expressions. This, however, is not all that has improved. Cultural ideologies have also inspired storylines, graphics, and the overall gaming experience. These ideologies have been drawn from Asian, European, and American cultural nuances. What’s even more interesting is that developers across the world now borrow cultures from other continents to create fan favorites.

In this article, you will discover how game developers borrow ideas from Asian, European, and American cultures to create the video games we now love and cherish.

How do cultures influence different aspects of gaming

iGaming might seem quite distinct from conventional video games. However, today’s online casino experiences often mirror the sophisticated design and cultural inspiration found in mainstream gaming. Very much like video games, online casino games today are interactive and engaging.

While classic games like poker and roulette have fixed styles and presentations, game developers have been able to make their slot titles stand out. They use cultural significance to evoke an emotional connection or nostalgic attachment. These themes also inspire a sense of luxury, mystery, or adventure while using storytelling to engage the player. Whether it’s casino online hits like Peking Luck, Sakura Fortune, or 88 Fortunes—all steeped in Asian symbolism—or European-themed titles like Divine Fortune and Blood Suckers II, the infusion of cultural elements elevates the game. Even American culture finds a home in the reels—like Dead or Alive and Elvis: The King of Lives, with inspirations drawn from Westerns and the rock ‘n’ roll legend.

From thematic visuals to cultural storytelling, these features also play a central role in shaping the online experience.

How does Asian culture influence video games

Several video games borrow their visual representation from the minimalistic traditions of the Far East. Take Okami, for instance; it features a painterly style inspired by Japanese woodblock prints. In Ghost of Tsushima, the game is set in feudal Japan and features numerous Japanese landscapes. As the progenitors of anime, it is no surprise that Japanese culture influences many games, but the Chinese are not left out. Unruly Heroes offers a glimpse of Chinese ink wash painting styles. Most games inspired by the visual ideologies of Asian cultures portray reverence for nature and the thought of impermanence and harmony with the universe.

Asian symbolism and storytelling in games often come with spiritual significance. This is why it is common to find plots and environments merged with Shinto or Buddhist ideologies. These ideologies embody spiritual existence, shrines, and rituals. In Ghost of Tsushima, for instance, spirits are major characters.

When gaming activity involves combat, the influence of Asian culture prioritizes martial arts. In addition to swift mechanics, developers include ancient martial arts moves and ideologies. Dynasty Warriors, a game inspired by the periods of dynastic wars in China, transports us to the battlefields of ancient China, where body art and energy coordination won duels. Even in Nioh, the concept of resilience and balance in Asian martial arts was a key feature.

Now, let’s consider European influence.

European cultural influence on video games



The history of European culture is arguably the most detailed and widely known body of knowledge in comparison with the other continents. This provided a rich pool of knowledge for game developers seeking inspiration. Due to Europe’s rich history spanning every millennium, a plethora of games owe their inspiration to these different eras.

In terms of visual representation, games like Assassin’s Creed transport us to medieval Europe, featuring dark themes, stone buildings, and the remnants of Romanesque architecture. The gothic scenery and complex cathedrals and castles are also seen in other games set in that time. Examples include Dark Souls and A Plague Tale.

Like many other cultures, European culture is rich in legends, fairy tales, and mythical creatures. When you play games inspired by European storytelling, you are likely to find witches, monsters, and characters with superhuman qualities. Playing Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, you will relive a plot set in Norse and Celtic mythology. The characters tell a story with significance to ancient Britain and Anglo-Saxon beliefs.

On the one hand, some video games are not influenced by ancient European art or design; instead, they draw inspiration from modern-day life. Playing Night Call, for example, takes you to contemporary France. Quiet European alleys, neon-lighted streets, and rainy weather influence the game.

If you are a gamer, you would know that beyond visual masterpieces, interesting storylines, and engaging mechanics, music is another essential aspect of game development. Many video games use the work of European composers, such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky, to create emotional resonance.

What about American influence?

American culture in video games

Unlike the Asian influence, which relates to spirituality and martial arts, or the European influence, which infuses mythology and historical references, games inspired by American culture source their ideas from mainstream entertainment. The Hollywood industry plays a significant role in the character development and plot setting of many games. In Grand Theft Auto, we find dialogue-driven narratives and fast-paced action sequences that are reminiscent of Hollywood movies. Games virtually feel like an interactive film with scenes that resemble those of an American movie.

Apart from character development, American street culture and subcultural nuances find their way into modern video games. It is common to find games with graffiti-painted street walls, hip-hop soundtracks, skateboarders, and bizarre fashion styles that mirror the individuality of American society. Speaking of individuality, it often crosses into rebellion against constituted norms. In games like Grand Theft Auto and Jet Set Radio, you get to experience these subcultural traits of the American ‘streets.’

Generally, video games inspired by American culture are based on individuality, moral choice, and ingenuity. Speaking of creativity and innovation, titles like Fallout exemplify these cultural traits as they allow players to create their own game storyline.

Do these cultural inspirations converge in video games?

It is far easier to have games whose storylines, visual themes, and music come from the same cultural setting. However, game developers are going the extra mile to infuse video games with a healthy blend of these distinct cultural motifs. These convergences enable games to incorporate storytelling, art styles, characters, and music effects that draw from multiple inspirations simultaneously. In Horizon Zero Dawn 2, for example, you can find landscapes set in America’s Wild West but with cultural nuances borrowed from European cultures.

The direction of modern trends suggests that this convergence in art and design between Asian, European, and American cultures will continue for some time. Reviews from gaming communities worldwide appear to give cultural blends a nod.

Culture at the core of gaming

The video games we know and love are largely influenced by the cultures we cherish. Underneath the gameplay mechanics are visual representations, storylines, and effects that reflect the architecture, ideologies, and characters of Asian, American, and European societies. Beyond video games, these cultural motifs also find their way into online casino gaming. While there are games developed to fit a specific cultural perspective, there has been an emergence of video games that blend these cultures.