The study ranked 20 video game-inspired destinations using factors like hotels, costs, reviews, subreddit mentions, and Tripadvisor scenic references.
A view of Edinburgh Castle and the city centre from Calton Hill(Image: Getty Images)
New research has revealed that a Scottish city is among the best real-world destinations for gamers, thanks to its striking appearance in one of the most popular video games of recent years.
The study, carried out by Spin Casino, analysed how virtual adventures are shaping real travel plans by looking at 20 of the most iconic video game destinations to visit.
The rankings considered games released in the past decade alongside factors such as hotel availability, food and transport costs, accommodation ratings, subreddit mentions, and the number of “scenic” references on Tripadvisor.
Edinburgh placed 19th on the global list, securing its spot due to its highly detailed recreation in Forza Horizon 4. The game allows players to explore locations such as the Royal Mile and even take in sights like Bamburgh Castle.
Edinburgh ranked 19th worldwide for its realistic recreation in Forza Horizon 4, where players can explore iconic locations like Royal Mile and Bamburgh Castle.(Image: Forza Horizon 4 Vauxhall Insignia VXR SAMU 71 Chalon sur Saône” by crash71100, Public Domain Dedication (CC0))
Although the Scottish capital only just made the top 20, it performed strongly in other areas, placing third for the number of “scenic” mentions on the game’s subreddit. Players frequently praise its striking like-for-like depiction, describing it as one of the most visually impressive urban landscapes in the franchise.
While Edinburgh’s digital counterpart earned acclaim, Athens claimed the top position. Its expansive reimagining of Ancient Greece in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey helped the title win Best Action/Adventure at the 2018 Game Awards.
The Greek capital also recorded the highest number of subreddit mentions in the past year, as well as the most affordable accommodation options of all the destinations ranked.
The global list highlights how far-reaching gaming tourism has become, spanning locations from the futuristic skyline of Dubai to the Gothic landscapes of Transylvania in Romania.
The findings highlight how video games are increasingly inspiring fans to seek out real-life versions of the places they explore on screen.
Commenting on the research, a spokesperson for Spin Casino said: “There’s little surprise that so many are planning to travel to locations where they can immerse themselves in places found in their beloved gaming titles.
“Whether you’re planning a trip to New York City or jetting across the world to Athens, Greece, there are countless choices available for avid gamers wanting to travel.
“There’s so many games where location is a huge focus, like Lara Croft®: Temples and Tombs , where the exotic archaeological sites and breathtaking ancient landscapes become as much a part of the adventure as the gameplay itself.
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“These meticulously crafted virtual environments often inspire players to seek out their real-world counterparts, transforming digital exploration into tangible travel experiences.”
To put together the list, Spin Casino analysed seven key factors. Reddit mentions for each location provided a measure of excitement and discussion among fans, while Tripadvisor’s “scenic” references were used to gauge how picturesque the destinations are in real life.
The study also looked at practical considerations such as flight availability, Airbnb and Booking.com ratings, and the affordability of local food and taxis. Together, these measures revealed how easy and appealing each location would be for gamers considering it as a travel destination.
The full blog with the complete rankings can be read on the Spin Casino website.