How Video Games and Visual Novels Can Promote Territories and Enhance Tourism

Video games can recreate real-world locations with impressive accuracy, allowing players to explore digital versions of cities and landmarks. Games like Assassin’s Creed have reconstructed historical settings such as Renaissance Florence and Ancient Athens, sparking real-world tourism interest. A study from the University of Glasgow found that virtual tourism in games can lead to increased real-world visits, as players develop emotional connections to digitally rendered places.

Smaller regions can also benefit from this approach. Indie developers and local governments can collaborate to create games that highlight unique cultural elements. Whether folklore, architecture, or local history. The Witcher 3, inspired by Slavic mythology, boosted tourism in Poland, with fans visiting locations that influenced the game’s design.

Visual novels — story-driven games combining text, visuals, and sometimes voice acting are ideal for delivering rich cultural and historical content. A city could release a visual novel where players follow a character’s journey through its streets, uncovering stories about landmarks and hidden gems.

This format can function as an interactive travel guide. Kyoto’s Rakugaki Kingdom project experimented with blending street art and digital storytelling, encouraging exploration in a gamified way. Research from MIT’s Media Lab highlights how such hybrid experiences enhance engagement and historical knowledge retention.

Alternate reality games (ARGs) merge digital narratives with physical spaces, turning cities into interactive playgrounds. Players might follow app-based clues leading them to historical sites or local businesses. Ingress and Pokémon GO demonstrated how location-based games drive foot traffic, benefiting local economies.

A well-designed ARG could transform a walking tour into an adventure. For example, a mystery-themed ARG in Edinburgh could guide players through haunted alleys while revealing ghost stories. A study from the University of Washington found that ARGs improve spatial memory and foster deeper connections to real-world locations.

Creating these experiences is more accessible than ever. Platforms like Ren’Py (for visual novels) and Unity (for 3D games) allow even small teams to craft compelling narratives. Local governments can partner with indie studios or host game jams to crowdsource creative ideas.

By integrating gaming and tourism, territories can turn passive sightseeing into active, memorable adventures. Attracting new visitors and redefining exploration.

Video games, visual novels, and ARGs offer innovative ways to promote territories by blending storytelling, exploration, and real-world engagement. From Assassin’s Creed inspiring travel to ARGs turning cities into interactive playgrounds, these digital experiences can boost tourism, enhance cultural appreciation, and create lasting connections with places. As technology becomes more accessible, cities and developers have a unique opportunity to reimagine tourism. Not just as a passive activity, but as an immersive adventure. The future of place promotion may well be unlocked through the power of play.

1. Virtual Tourism & Real-World Impact — University of Glasgow Study (2019)

2. Interactive Storytelling & Engagement — MIT Media Lab (2019)

3. ARGs & Spatial Memory — University of Washington Study (2016)