While the majority of gaming titles are works of fiction, there’s a wide selection of PC and console games based on true stories.

These games can take your experience to the next level and make you feel like you’re playing a simulation of real-world events.

They can also help make a better bond with the characters and in-game environment better than the fictional ones.

So, if you’re intrigued by what you’ve read so far, you’re going to love our list of the seven best games inspired by real life.

7 Popular Games Inspired By True Stories and Events – Our Top Picks

1.  Gran Turismo 7

   If you’re into racing simulation video games, look no further than Gran Turismo 7. Of course, to truly enjoy this title, you’re going to need more than just a PlayStation 4 or 5.
   You’d also need to invest in simulation hardware, such as racing wheels, pedals, multiple screens, and even a cockpit.

   Gran Turismo 7 is the latest entry in the GT series. It perfectly emulates the appearance and performance of real-world race cars, including:

   • Nissan GT-R;
   • Porsche 911 GT3;
   • Bentley Continental GT, etc.

   The game also features several real-world race tracks, including:

   • Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace (Interlagos);
   • Daytona Internation Speedway;
   • Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

   So, if you’re looking to experience the thrill of competing in real-world racing competitions, Gran Turismo offers the most immersive experience for console gamers. When playing high-speed games like this, make sure you get a VPN to prevent your ISP from throttling your bandwidth.

   PS, don’t forget to watch Gran Turismo when it hits the theaters in August 2023. It tells the true story of a teenage Gran Turismo player from the UK, Jann Mardenborough, who transitioned to an actual professional race car driver after beating 90,000 entrants in the GT Academy.

2. Assassin’s Creed III

   Assassin’s Creed III is one of the most popular open-world action-adventure games available on most gaming platforms, including:

   • Windows
   • Xbox 360, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One
   • PlayStation 3, 4, and 5
   • Google Stadia
   • Wii U
   • Nintendo Switch

   The game takes place in the colonial United States during the American Revolution.
   As an assassin, you will take part in historical events, such as the Boston Tea Party and the signing of the Declaration of Independence, while assassinating British occupiers and other targets.

3. L.A. Noire

   L.A. Noire is a multi-platform action-adventure game released in 2011.

   It’s one of the best games based on true stories and events.

   It follows the story of Cole Phelps, a detective operating in Los Angeles in 1947, one of the most violent post-World War II years in history.

   When playing the detective, you’ll be investigating and resolving several homicides and criminal cases, many of which are based on real-world cases.

   For instance, you’ll be solving the gruesome murder of Jeanne French and her case titled the Red Lipstick Murder.

   So, if you’re looking for a title offering a mix of history, action, gore, and violence, L.A. Noire is for you.

4. Call of Duty – Black Ops and Black Ops II

   Call of Duty is arguably the world’s most popular first-person shooter video game franchise for PC gamers.

   While all the titles aren’t specifically based on true stories and real-life events, they do involve real-world conflicts, operations, weapons, and gear.

   However, the franchise has released two titles featuring a mix of real-world locations and events:

   • Call of Duty: Black Ops, which was released in 2010. The game was set in the 60s during the start of the Cold War. As a player, you would take on the role of Captain Alex Mason, a retired Marine force Recon expert, and CIA operative. Your objective would be to carry out covert ops in Cuba, the Soviet Union, and Vietnam.
   • Call of Duty: Black Ops II has been a fan favorite since 2020. Unlike its predecessor, this version is set in the early 1980s during the peak of the Cold War. As a player, you’d be part of a team of CIA operatives investigating a Soviet spy by the name of Persues in Vietnam, Germany, and the Soviet Union.

5. 1979 Revolution: Black Friday

   If you’re looking for a choice-driven, narrative PC game based on a real-life story and event, look no further than the 1979 Revolution.

   It follows the story of Reza Shirazi, an aspiring photojournalist who has to make life-and-death decisions to survive the events that led to the Iranian Revolution in the ’70s.

   As a player, you’d be interacting with different real-life characters (freedom fighters and witnesses) from the era and take pictures of recreated events, such as the Movement of 15 Khordad and the arson of Cinema Abadan.

6. Silent Hill

   Silent Hill is one of the most popular horror franchises, with a series of survival games on every major console launched since 1999, including Gameboy Advance and Wii.
   The immense success of the game also led to the development of two movies in 2008 and 2012.

   Before you freak out, none of the game events are real. However, the town the game is based on is an actual abandoned town in Centralia, Philadephia. It was evacuated due to a coal mine burning underneath the municipality for over five decades.

   To this day, the town is blocked from the outside. Yet, it remains home to a few residents who didn’t want to leave. So, if you’re intrigued by this backstory and enjoy horror games, you can choose from several Silent Hill titles for Playstation and Xbox consoles, including:

   • Silent Hill (1999)

   • Silent Hill 2 (2001)

   • Silent Hill 3 (2003)

   • Silent Hill 4 (2004)

   • Silent Hill: Shattered Memories (2009)

   • Silent Hill: Downpour (2012)

   A new Silent Hill Game is currently in development for PlayStation 5 and PC. However, this version will be set in rural Japan instead of Centralia, Pennsylvania.

7. Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30

   The last game based on real life on our list is Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30. The game was released in 2005 for PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 2 and has been regarded as one of the best games depicting the events of World War II.

   As a player, you’ll play as Sgt. Matt Baker (inspired by real-life World War II hero Harrison Summers) who leads a squad into historical battles.

   The game’s graphics and sound quality are ahead of its time, so even modern console and PC gamers should enjoy this “retro” title.

Conclusion

While there are hundreds of games based on real-life stories and events, the ones on our list are highly recommended by seasoned gamers.

Of course, some of these titles are for older consoles and may not have up-to-date graphics.

However, their story and gameplay are second to none, so you’ll have an immersive experience on any platform.