Video Games Now Inspire Real Travel to Paris and Beyond

Thousands of gamers are trading their controllers for plane tickets, traveling to experience the real locations behind Assassin's Creed, Pokémon, and Grand Theft Auto.

The trend called "gami-vacations" has exploded as players seek deeper connections with the virtual worlds they've explored for hours. Instead of just sightseeing, travelers are hunting down specific landmarks, streets, and landscapes they first discovered on screen.

Paris leads the pack as a gaming destination. Assassin's Creed Unity recreated the city during the French Revolution with stunning detail, featuring Notre Dame Cathedral and the Seine. Pokémon Legends Z-A lets players leap across Parisian rooftops in a fictional city clearly inspired by the French capital.

Now gamers visit these same spots in person, snapping photos at Notre Dame before grabbing croissants at cafes with Eiffel Tower views. Tourism boards have caught on too, partnering with gaming influencers to create themed tours through Rome and other cities.

American cities are seeing similar interest. San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge stars in Watch Dogs 2, while Los Angeles locations like the Griffith Observatory appear throughout the GTA series. Even Oregon's quiet coastline has gained popularity as the setting for Life is Strange's fictional Arcadia Bay.

Young travelers, especially Gen Z and Gen Alpha, drive this movement. They want experiences that connect to their passions and hobbies, not just traditional tourist attractions. Gaming has given them an emotional connection to places they've never physically visited.

Some apps now gamify the actual travel experience with virtual reality features, quests, and rewards. Travelers can "level up" in real life by completing challenges at gaming landmarks.

The Ripple Effect

This trend is boosting tourism in unexpected places. The dramatic Norwegian landscapes behind Skyrim attract adventure seekers, while Japan sees steady streams of visitors following Pokémon and Final Fantasy trails. Southern France's vineyards gain attention as the inspiration for The Witcher 3's Toussaint region.

Small towns benefit too. Cannon Beach and Astoria in Oregon welcome Life is Strange fans exploring their charming streets and dramatic coastlines. These communities see economic growth from travelers who might never have discovered them without gaming.

Gaming vacations prove that virtual experiences can inspire real-world exploration and bring fresh energy to destinations both famous and overlooked.