California is iconic for being the land of sunshine, surf and video games. From stunning, sun-drenched beaches to sprawling neon-lit cities, the Golden State has long served as a vibrant backdrop for some of the most engaging and iconic video games ever created. This is likely due to the fact that California also boasts a thriving tech industry, making it a natural breeding ground for innovative and immersive video games.
Beyond the Setting: A Look at California’s Most Played Games
Before exploring some of the most iconic modern video games set in California, let’s first take a moment to understand the actual gaming preferences of real-life Californians. While definitive data on regional gaming trends can be tricky, it is possible to piece together an informed picture based on industry reports and trends.
Topping the charts of many gaming lists is the often under-explored and over-regulated side of the entire industry; casino games. Thankfully, gambling enthusiasts looking for the best online casino in California have some of the best offshore options to choose from thanks to major advancements in modern online iGaming tech. This fact is likely to be the main reason why the casino craze is so dominant in the gaming space.
Alongside online gambling options, it should come as no surprise that many of the most popular national and global games dominate California’s video gaming landscape. Major titles like Fortnite, Minecraft and League of Legends consistently rank high in player engagement across the US, and California is no exception. These titles shine for their strong online communities and regular updates.
Mobile gaming also reigns supreme in the Golden State, and the industry will only get larger, according to some reports. California is a hotbed of tech innovation, so it naturally embraces mobile gaming. Mobile casino platforms, Candy Crush Saga and Genshin Impact consistently top mobile gaming charts nationwide, with California mirroring this trend.
Iconic Games Where California Takes Center Stage
The land of golden beaches and Hollywood dreams might seem like the perfect backdrop for breezy beach volleyball games or laid-back racing experiences. But the moment someone ventures beyond the postcard facade, they’ll discover a diverse, dynamic state teeming with inspiration for developers.
Games that feature narratives and gameplay loops set in California delve into everything from social commentary to coming-of-age narratives. They capture the state’s vibrant energy, explore its complex identity and offer unique perspectives on its technological prowess and societal issues. Here are just a few of the most iconic titles that borrow the allure of California:
Cyberpunk 2077
No exploration of California in gaming would be complete without delving into the neon-drenched dystopia of Cyberpunk 2077. While not a direct recreation of any real-world location, the game’s central metropolis draws undeniable inspiration from the neon signs dotted around the Golden State.
In the ever-evolving digital world of CyberPunk 2077, California’s sunny disposition takes a dark turn in the cyberpunk metropolis of Night City. This neon-drenched dystopia heavily inspired by Los Angeles and San Francisco is a melting pot of megacorporations, cybernetic enhancements and societal inequality.
Grand Theft Auto V
Los Angeles gets the Rockstar treatment in this sprawling open-world epic. In Grand Theft Auto V, Los Angeles isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a living, breathing character. Rockstar meticulously recreated the city’s diverse neighborhoods, from the sun-soaked beaches of Santa Monica to the gang-ridden alleys of South Central.
Players cruise Hollywood Boulevard in stolen sports cars, pull off daring heists inspired by real-life events, and experience the opulent lifestyles of Beverly Hills mansions and the grittier struggles of downtown tenements. Despite being over a decade old, the game saw an average of 123,806 active players in the first month of 2024.
Life is Strange
For players who love an immersive story, Life is Strange isn’t just a game; it’s an emotive journey through the winding streets and hidden secrets of Arcadia Bay, a fictional Northern Californian town brimming with charm and mystery. Stepping into the shoes of Max Caulfield, a shy photography student, players make high-stakes choices that shape a narrative, much like a gambler might at an online casino.
Watch Dogs 2
While playing Watch Dogs 2, players hack their way through California’s Bay Area. As Marcus Holloway, a skilled hacker, players utilize tech prowess to disrupt corrupt corporations, expose hidden truths, and navigate the complex web of power dynamics that defines the region’s tech landscape. In some ways, Watch Dogs 2 offers a unique perspective on California’s technological revolution while raising questions about privacy, ethics, and the power of information.
The Californian Gaming Landscape Beyond the Games
California’s influence on the gaming industry extends far beyond its borders. For a wide variety of reasons, iconic game developers like Blizzard Entertainment, Infinity Ward, and Ubisoft Massive all call the Golden State home.
The state also hosts major gaming events, solidifying its position as a central gathering point for players and developers alike. Events like E3 in Los Angeles and Gamescom in Cologne have their roots in California, showcasing upcoming titles, fostering industry connections and setting the stage for the future of gaming. These events attract global attention, further solidifying California’s role as a leader in the industry.