A new travel trend, Gami-Vacation, is emerging where gamers are booking trips to real-world locations featured in video games. Inspired by the immersive nature of video games, Gami-Vacation offers a way to experience destinations beyond their physical appeal. Popular among Gen Z and millennials, the trend sees people exploring the landscapes they've once experienced virtually, from hiking through national parks to attending gaming conventions.
Gami-Vacation is about more than just playing games—it’s about connecting with the locations that players have come to recognise and appreciate. Whether it’s the rugged terrain of Montana’s Glacier National Park, which inspired Far Cry 5, or the lush forests of Genshin Impact, gamers are seeking to visit these destinations in person. The goal is to experience the places that have made an impact in the virtual world, bringing the story of a game into real life.
What sets Gami-Vacation apart is the desire for emotional experiences. Gamers are looking to recreate the immersive adventures they’ve enjoyed in games, but in real-world settings. It’s about feeling the same emotional engagement they’ve felt while playing, whether it’s through exploring Scotland’s Highlands, which inspired Assassin's Creed, or visiting Malta, which became part of The Witcher 3. The trend is not just about sightseeing but experiencing these locations through the lens of the games that shaped them.
Gaming conventions are also a key aspect of the Gami-Vacation trend. Major events like EGX and E3 are now an integral part of the gaming travel experience. Fans travel to these conventions not only to see the latest in gaming but also to engage with the gaming community and the broader culture that has grown around it. Alongside this, portable gaming has become common, with many Gen Z travellers bringing their gaming consoles on trips, allowing them to continue their adventures on the move.
For many, Gami-Vacation involves a video game pilgrimage. Destinations like Norway's Voss (featured in Control) and Barcelona (a setting in Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate) attract fans eager to experience the places they’ve seen in games. These “pilgrimages” offer a chance to step into the real-life versions of digital landscapes. In addition, destination marketing organisations are collaborating with gaming influencers to highlight regions made famous by video games. These partnerships are gaining traction, driving attention to locations that were once known only in the gaming world.
The idea behind Gami-Vacation is the ability to connect the virtual with the real. By visiting destinations inspired by their favourite games, travellers can enjoy a personalised and unique experience. The trend reflects a growing interest in exploring the places that have inspired gaming worlds, creating a new way to experience both travel and gaming simultaneously. Whether attending gaming conventions or trekking through game-inspired landscapes, Gami-Vacation allows players to take a piece of their favourite virtual worlds into the physical world, making it a part of their own adventure.
Q1: What is Gami-Vacation?
A1: Gami-Vacation is a travel trend where gamers visit real-world destinations featured in video games, combining gaming passion with tourism.
Q2: Why is Gami-Vacation popular among Gen Z and millennials?
A2: This generation grew up with immersive games and seeks experiences that connect virtual adventures with real-world locations.
Q3: Which destinations are trending for Gami-Vacation?
A3: Locations like Norway’s Voss (featured in Control), Japan’s Tokyo districts, and national parks seen in games like Red Dead Redemption are popular.
Q4: Is Gami-Vacation limited to scenic spots?
A4: No, it also includes attending gaming conventions, e-sports events, and themed experiences inspired by popular franchises.
Q5: How is Gami-Vacation impacting the travel industry?
A5: It’s opening niche markets for gaming-themed tours, boosting local tourism in destinations featured in blockbuster games.
