Books and games speak the same language — story. One writes it in ink, the other in pixels and sound, both inviting us to lose ourselves in worlds they create. Many developers have drawn inspiration from great literary works, adapting complex plots and deep characters into unforgettable gaming experiences, over the years.
Some of the best PC games ever made have their roots in novels and literature from fantasy sagas like The Witcher to dystopian thrillers like Metro 2033. Many of the fans visit trusted gaming platforms like Ocean of Games to learn more about such titles, system requirements, and gameplay details as they explore and research these masterpieces.
Let’s dive into the best PC games that started as stories on the page proof that powerful words can build even more powerful worlds on screen.
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – From Polish Fantasy to Global Phenomenon
Inspired by: The Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski
Genre: Open-world RPG
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stands tall, when you think of games inspired by literature. It’s a masterpiece that perfectly blends deep narrative, moral complexity, and stunning world-building, based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s bestselling fantasy novels.
Players assume the role of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter navigating war-torn kingdoms and moral gray areas. The game’s dialogue and quests reflect the rich folklore and ethical ambiguity of the original books
Players who discover The Witcher series frequently turn to the source novels, while readers often find themselves drawn to the games. It’s a unique case of two mediums enhancing each other, resulting in an internationally acclaimed RPG phenomenon.
2. Metro Exodus – A Post-Apocalyptic Vision from the Pages
Inspired by: Metro 2033 by Dmitry Glukhovsky
Genre: First-person Shooter / Survival
Set in the Moscow underground after a nuclear catastrophe, The Metro series takes inspiration from Dmitry Glukhovsky’s chilling post-apocalyptic novels.
The latest chapter, Metro Exodus, transforms the confined tunnels into a vast, semi-open landscape while preserving the emotional gravity and suspense that defined the books. Its storytelling, immersive tone, and moral complexity echo Glukhovsky’s vision of survival and fragile hope in a ruined world.
Through the success of the games, the novels gained new audiences, proving that interactive storytelling can revitalize literature in the digital age.
3. Middle-earth: Shadow of War – Expanding Tolkien’s Legacy
Inspired by: The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Genre: Action RPG
Less literacy worlds are as iconic as Tolkien’s Middle-earth. Shadow of Mordor and its sequel Shadow of War brought that universe to PC gamers with extensive substance and creative innovation.
The games expand Tolkien’s mythology, exploring new stories between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings though not a direct adaptation. Players encounter dynamic enemies who remember past encounters, a concept as innovative as Tolkien’s lore itself with its groundbreaking Nemesis System.
Through technology and interactive gameplay, the game updates timeless literary narratives for a new cohort of admirers.
4. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell and Ghost Recon – From Espionage Pages to Tactical Action
Inspired by: Novels by Tom Clancy
Genre: Tactical Shooter / Espionage
Tom Clancy is best known for stories centered on military action, espionage, and global conflict. Including Splinter Cell, Ghost Recon, and The Division, his novels like Rainbow Six and The Hunt for Red October inspired multiple gaming franchises
Filled with political tension and strategy, these games bring Clancy’s detailed, realistic approach to modern warfare into interactive missions. The combination of tactical realism and strong storytelling made these series well-loved among PC gamers.
5. Game of Thrones: A Telltale Game Series – Choices That Shape Destiny
Inspired by: A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin
Genre: Interactive Drama / Adventure
This episodic game from Telltale Games delivers the emotional weight and political intrigue that defined Martin’s novels, for fans of Game of Thrones.
Several characters from House Forrester are controlled by the players as they navigate alliances, betrayal and survival in the unforgiving world of Westeros. Every decision has lasting consequences, making it one of the best story-driven PC games inspired by literature
The dialogue and branching storylines are a faithful and well-executed extension of Martin’s books, providing an experience that enriches the novels beautifully
6. Alice: Madness Returns – A Dark Literary Reimagining
Inspired by: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Genre: Action-Adventure / Psychological Horror
Alice: Madness Returns is a reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s timeless classic and it isn’t a direct adaptation. Alice is a traumatized young woman trapped in a nightmarish Wonderland reflecting her broken mind, in this version.
A haunting and memorable experience is created by the gothic art style, twisted characters, and emotional storytelling. One of the great examples of how classic literature can inspire modern dark fantasy games.
7. Dune: Spice Wars – Strategy from a Sci-Fi Legend
Inspired by: Dune by Frank Herbert
Genre: Real-time Strategy
For decades, Frank Herbert’s Dune has influenced science fiction and now it thrives again in PC gaming through Dune: Spice Wars.
In the game, players fight for control of Arrakis by managing resources, building armies, and making political choices. It captures the rich world and storylines of Herbert’s Dune novels, making it great for both strategy gamers and book fans.
The franchise continues to bridge the gap between classic literature and modern entertainment as the Dune films and games gain momentum.
Other Notable Mentions
- Call of Cthulhu – Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s mythos
- I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream – Based on Harlan Ellison’s short story
- Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One – Rooted in Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective tales
- Spec Ops: The Line – Loosely influenced by Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
The profound storytelling in each of these games is the foundation for their memorable gameplay.
Why Books Make Great Games
Literature is a source of expansive backstories, profound character growth, and sophisticated moral issues. Developers can build on these foundations to craft interactive experiences that enables players live the stories they once only read.
Players who enjoy narrative-driven worlds frequently turn to resources like Oceanofgames, where they can access detailed information, reviews, and version updates for literature-based games.