“Based on a true story.” That phrase often appears on posters for films and games. Many times it serves as a marketing tactic, and sometimes the on-screen scenery is green screen rather than real settings.
There are also titles where developers aimed to honor real events or real people, delivering a more authentic experience. This list highlights ten games inspired by true events, historical figures, or true-life stories.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
- Release date: February 13, 2018
- Developer: Warhorse Studios
- Publishers: Warhorse Studios, DMM.com, Koch Media, Deep Silver, Prime Matter, Zoo Corporation
- Genres: Adventure, Action, RPG
- Russian language: yes
Kingdom Come: Deliverance drew attention for presenting a Bohemian setting grounded in the late medieval era. Players assume the role of Henry, a blacksmith’s son, as he navigates survival, political strife, and the fragile balance of power in a world where authentic locales and period details matter. The game weaves in historical figures and events, inviting players to encounter characters such as Jan Příbram, Radzig Kobyla, and others, while emphasizing practical combat and immersive world-building.
Assassin’s Creed series
- Release date: November 14, 2007
- Developer and Publisher: Ubisoft
- Genres: Adventure Action with Stealth Elements, Action RPG
- Russian language: yes
Across its expansive saga, Assassin’s Creed builds a tapestry of historical settings and figures. Early installments introduce players to Leonardo da Vinci and Cesare Borgia, while later entries like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla invite exploration of Socrates, Alfred the Great, and other notable personalities. While the exact plot remains a fictional frame, Ubisoft often cites historical sources to shape the narrative, allowing for a sense of historical flavor even when liberties are taken for gameplay.
One question often asked is which historical figure a player would most like to meet in person, a reflection of the series’ enduring pull toward real-world history.
Age of Empires series
- Release date: October 26, 1997
- Developers: Ensemble Studios, Big Huge Games, Robot Entertainment, Relic Entertainment, Hidden Path Entertainment, Forgotten Empires, World’s Edge, Tantalus Media
- Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
- Genres: Real-time strategy
- Russian language: yes
The Age of Empires series spans many ancient and historic eras, offering strategic gameplay that lets players explore civilizations from different ages. Players can guide choices from the Stone Age to the rise of vast empires, with a spin-off like Age of Mythology expanding the blend of history and myth. The games reward strategic planning, resource management, and a deep interest in how societies develop over time.
Sid Meier’s Civilization series
- Release date: September 1991
- Developers: MicroProse, Firaxis Games, Westlake Interactive, Aspyr, BreakAway Games
- Publishers: MicroProse, Koei, Hasbro Interactive, Infogrames, MacSoft, Aspyr, Atari, 2K Games
- Genres: Turn-based strategy, grand strategy, 4X, wargame
- Russian language: yes
The Sid Meier’s Civilization series is renowned for its historical focus and lengthy campaign choices. Gameplay unfolds from the dawn of civilization to modern times, letting players encounter influential leaders such as George Washington, Cleopatra, and Peter I across different installments. The series has become a staple for history buffs who enjoy strategic depth and long-form play, where each decision shapes the course of a civilization’s destiny.
Crusader Kings series
- Release date: September 1991
- Developers: MicroProse, Firaxis Games, Westlake Interactive, Aspyr, BreakAway Games
- Publishers: MicroProse, Koei, Hasbro Interactive, Infogrames, MacSoft, Aspyr, Atari, 2K Games
- Genres: Turn-based strategy, grand strategy, 4X, wargame
- Russian language: yes
The Crusader Kings games drop players into broad swaths of medieval history, including the development of realms like Rus’ and the Byzantine era. Players can assume the role of a noble, whether Vladimir or another ruler, and decide how to steer their dynasty. The series emphasizes player choice and the tension between historical dynamics and personal strategy.
Eternal Sonata
- Release date: June 14, 2007
- Developer: tri-Crescendo
- Publisher: Bandai Namco
- Genre: RPG
- Russian language: no
Dreams and music intersect in Eternal Sonata, a title that blends the real life story of Frédéric Chopin with fantasy elements. The composer is portrayed in a distinctive style, and the visuals carry a gentle, almost painterly feel that fans of narrative RPGs may enjoy. While the game is not a strict biography, it centers on Chopin’s life and music, weaving truth and imagination into a memorable journey.
Brave Hearts: The Great War
- Release date: June 24, 2014
- Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
- Publisher: Ubisoft
- Genres: Adventure, Puzzle
- Russian language: yes
Brave Hearts: The Great War centers on World War I, guiding four fictional characters through the Western Front. The farmer Emil, his dog groomer companion, Karl the ethnic German, Freddie the American, and Anna from Paris each tell threads that intersect as the conflict unfolds. The game uses period artifacts like letters, photos, and documents to ground its storytelling and evoke the era’s human cost.
Kholat
- Release date: June 9, 2015
- Developers: IMGN.PRO, Imagination sc, Blitworks
- Publisher: IMGN.PRO, Imagination sc
- Genres: Adventure, Survival Horror
- Russian language: yes
Kholat invites players into the Dyatlov Pass incident, exploring the real-life mystery surrounding the expedition. The game focuses on atmosphere and investigation, letting players piece together clues as questions multiply rather than answers emerge easily.
Britannic: Patroness of the Mediterranean
- Release date: June 19, 2020
- Developer and Publisher: Vintage Digital Revival LLC
- Genres: Simulation, Adventure, Educational
- Russian language: no
Britannic: Patroness of the Mediterranean offers a virtual exploration of the Britannic, the Titanic’s sister ship. It acts more like a historical museum than a narrative game, inviting players to inspect every compartment of the ship and experience the era firsthand. The experience contrasts with the more dramatic Titanic mythos and emphasizes preservation and context over drama.
That Dragon, Cancer
- Release date: January 12, 2016
- Developer and Publisher: Numinous Games
- Genres: Adventure
- Russian language: no
That Dragon, Cancer chronicles a family’s intimate battle with pediatric cancer. It is a deeply personal and emotional experience that focuses on the journey of parenting, hope, and loss. The game uses a blend of real-life emotions, behind-the-scenes moments, and reflective storytelling to convey resilience and vulnerability.
There are many more games that draw on real events or figures, but this collection aims to present titles that offer a direct, experience-driven perspective on history and biography. The question remains: which games leave the strongest impression for those seeking stories rooted in real life?
Do you enjoy games based on real events?
Note: content reflects game descriptions and public reception of the titles listed above.