Is it time to feature more of Welsh culture in video games?

England and Scotland have featured so heavily in new gaming releases in recent years

You could argue that the unique culture of Wales is something that developers in these sectors should explore more in their games.

Author - Sophie T 

There is plenty of evidence that Welsh culture hasn’t been utilised in gaming. Could a stronger Welsh representation in the media play its part in improving the Welsh gaming scene?

As we have seen, elements of UK culture have been featured heavily in video games. One of the most recent examples of this is Forza Horizon 4. The popular driving game explores fictional parts of Scotland and the Lake District. Could Wales feature in a future edition of the series? You can see how good it would look judging by the graphics in this fictionalised version of Scotland. 

 

Tales from the Mabinogion

With this upcoming release on Steam, you can wenture into the enchanted realms of Ancient Wales. As King Pryderi, navigate mystical forests, rugged mountains, and captivating coastlines. Unravel ancient secrets, confront dark forces, and save your kingdom from a looming, catastrophic curse.

The game focuses on a vengeful sorcerer that unleashes a cursed fog that brings forth beasts from the mythical Otherworld of Annwn. To save his realm, a warrior-king must embark on a quest to uncover the origins of the curse and discover the secrets needed to break its devastating grip.

As Pryderi, the King of the ancient Welsh realm of Dyfed, you will uncover the mystery behind a magical cataclysm. Explore the hidden tales and timeless stories throughout the vast, sprawling forests, mountains, and coastlines of mythical Wales—all while evading enchanted animals and escaping a relentless, cursed fog.

Several Welsh sides feature on EA Sports FC 25

On the football game, you can play as Cardiff City, Swansea City, Newport County or Wrexham. The Hollywood tale surrounding Wrexham means they have been a popular choice for many gamers to take them from League One to the Premier League. This is probably the strongest Welsh presence on any video game with even the now retired Gareth Bale featuring on the Ultimate Team mode. 

Can you take advantage of a strong Welsh media. 

Over several hundred years, a strong and independent media industry emerged across Wales. In the modern era, advancements of the internet have created newer organisations that report the news and current affairs in a very different way. If a  Welsh tech and gaming scene does emerge over the next few years, will it receive the global attention that it deserves.