Asia’s impact on the gaming world is undeniable. In fact, it is the beating heart of the global gaming sector. Korea, China, and Japan, have particular influence in how the gaming trends permeate the globe, but other countries, too, are seen as rising powers in the gaming sector.
For many non-Asians, video games offer a first insight into the continent’s culture and history. While interest in Asian cinema is on the rise in North America and Europe, it is still gaming that provides an entry point for so many, particularly younger people, to learn about Asia.
You can find thousands of games online that touch on various Asian cultures. They can range from complex MMORPG games like Blade & Soul to easy-to-play Chinese-themed slots like Lucky Lu on McLuck’s social casino platform. There really is an endless choice to explore. However, below we have picked ten of the best games across multiple platforms that both explore and celebrate Asia’s rich culture and history:
Ghost of Tsushima
Set in 13th-century Japan during the Mongol invasion, this game is a cinematic tribute to samurai culture. It blends open-world gameplay with Kurosawa-style visuals. Few games on the market explore the samurai concepts of honor and revenge with such care. It won numerous visual art awards, too.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
FromSoftware’s action-adventure title is steeped in Sengoku-era Japan, striking a nice balance between historical realism and more mythical elements like demons and spirits from Japanese folklore. Thematically, it touches on everything from Buddhism to subtly critiquing the Japanese feudal system.
Gujian 3
A lesser-known gem from China, Gujian 3 is part of the wider Gujian fantasy RPG series rooted in Chinese mythology and Taoist philosophy. Many of the game’s locations are based on real photos, painstakingly recreating important historic sites to lend an air of authenticity.
Yakuza
This long-running franchise is a bit of a love letter to Japanese urban life, with a bit of crime thrown in for good measure. It balances dramatic crime narratives with over-the-top side quests that showcase daily Japanese routines and traditions. Yes, it’s a bit sensationalist, but you’ll really want to head to Tokyo after playing.
Okami
Inspired by Shinto mythology and Japanese sumi-e art, Okami is a visually stunning adventure where you play as Amaterasu, the sun goddess in wolf form. When Okami arrived in the mid-2000s, it garnered critical praise across the board. It’s a masterpiece and one of the most beautifully designed games in history. The HD version is well worth playing.
Shadow Warrior 3
While tongue-in-cheek in tone, this fast-paced shooter leans into East Asian mythological creatures and martial arts tropes. It’s an affectionate tribute to wuxia-style storytelling and over-the-top kung-fu movies, and it’s a lot of fun.
Total War: Shogun 2
This strategy game dives into the Sengoku period of Japanese history. It offers players a crash course in Japanese feudal politics and warfare. The developers put a lot of emphasis on being on the money with historical accuracy, even drawing praise from real historians of the era.
Jade Empire
BioWare’s cult classic gave players a blend of martial arts with a fantasy world inspired by some interesting aspects of Chinese mythology. It was ahead of its time in putting Asian philosophies at the core of gameplay. It’s not completely beloved by critics, but it has a hardcore fanbase, and its legacy is undeniable.
Raji: An Ancient Epic
This indie game is based on Indian mythology, and it tells the story of a young girl chosen by the gods to battle demons. It celebrates Hindu architecture, music, and epic tales like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Indian culture and history is vastly underrepresented in gaming, but there are some gems to discover. Raji is a great place to start.
Legend of the Five Rings
Originally a tabletop RPG steeped in fictionalized East Asian culture, its digital adaptations continue that tradition. Samurai codes, spirit worlds, and clan-based honor systems define the world of Rokugan. It’s a bit of a mishmash, and it does take you down routes of faux histories, but it’s incredibly enjoyable.