Computer games and books may seem like two entirely different genres, but what happens when these two worlds collide?
Adventure and RPG games with rich stories and well-crafted worlds have inspired many authors to bring their narratives to life on the pages of books. Here are three books that not only game enthusiasts should definitely check out.
Assassin’s Creed: The Secret Crusade is one of several novels based on the popular Assassin’s Creed game series. The book focuses on the past of Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad, one of the franchise’s most iconic characters.
Written in collaboration with Ubisoft, the novel expands the game’s mythology and offers fans a deeper insight into Altaïr’s life and the events that shaped his pivotal role in the Brotherhood. Bowden’s writing style vividly captures the action-packed scenes and historical intrigue that Assassin’s Creed players love.
In Reform School for Witches, Petr Mandík takes readers into a magical world full of danger, mystery, and unexpected twists. The book is inspired by the Czech adventure game of the same name, played by hundreds of thousands of players worldwide.
The story follows Alice, a seemingly ordinary girl whose life takes a turn when she’s sent to a mysterious reform school for witches. She soon discovers that magic is real, but the school hides dark secrets. Determined to escape, she ventures into the unknown, only to realize that the outside world can be just as dangerous as the one she left behind.
Reform School for Witches faithfully captures the game’s atmosphere, blending magic, mystery, and thrilling adventure into a captivating fantasy story. Whether you’re a fan of the game or meeting Alice for the first time, the book will draw you into her fascinating world.
While Ready Player One isn’t directly based on an existing game, it’s a tribute to the world of video games and virtual reality. The story is set in a dystopian future where most of society escapes into a virtual world called OASIS. The protagonist, Wade Watts, embarks on a quest to find an Easter egg hidden by the game’s creator.
The book is filled with references to classic adventure games and gaming culture, making it a nostalgic experience for all gamers and sci-fi fans. Thanks to its fast-paced narrative and vivid descriptions of OASIS, readers feel like they’re playing a high-stakes game themselves. The book was even adapted into a movie, featuring scenes from this immersive world.
Some adventure games offer vast worlds, others feature strong characters, and the best ones have both. Their stories often seem destined for literary adaptation. Books like those mentioned above show how a game’s rich narrative can seamlessly transfer to the pages of a book, giving fans a deeper dive into their favorite worlds.