The Representation Of Egyptian Themes In Video Games

From the enigmatic allure of ancient pyramids to the fascinating tales of pharaohs and gods, Egyptian culture has captivated imaginations for centuries. In the realm of video games, this rich tapestry finds a vibrant and immersive medium of expression. So, let’s delve into the world of Egyptian-themed video games and explore how they bring to life the symbols, visuals, and essence of Egyptian culture.

Exploring the past with Assassin's Creed: Origins

Assassin's Creed: Origins is a remarkable example of a video game that immerses players into the vivid and authentic world of ancient Egypt. Through meticulously crafted costumes, realistic structures, and meaningful symbolism, players are transported back in time to experience the wonders of this ancient civilisation. The game showcases breathtakingly accurate structures, from the imposing grandeur of the pyramids to the bustling streets of Alexandria, allowing players to explore and interact with historically significant locations.

The attention to detail in costume design is equally impressive, as players don the attire of ancient Egyptians, with intricately woven linen garments, ornate jewellery, and iconic headdresses. These elements, combined with subtle symbolism woven into the narrative and visuals, such as the eye of Horus or the Ankh, create a truly immersive experience that brings the essence of Egyptian culture to life in an unparalleled way.

Egyptian themes, culture, and symbols are often used in many different video games, even if the main game is not centred around Egypt. For example, in the Wrath of the Druids story expansion for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (which was released three years after Origins), players can discover an Egyptian armour set. Other games, like New World, also embrace the same theme too by providing players with the opportunity to get Egyptian god items, such as armour skins.

Egyptian symbols are also used in slot games

Over the years, Egyptian symbols have also been incorporated into slot games, offering players a glimpse into the world of Ancient Egypt. For mobiles and desktop, popular slot games such as Eye of Horus, Cleopatra Plus, and Mistress of Egypt, showcase a variety of Egyptian symbols to create Egyptian-themed games for players to play. These symbols include Hathor, the goddess of love and joy, Bastet, associated with home and fertility, and Aset, a powerful deity representing magic and motherhood.

Through the spinning of the reels, players may encounter bonus features in a variety of Egyptian-themed slot games. These include  multipliers and wilds, bonus rounds, free spins, and more, adding an additional layer of interest to the gameplay experience. These themed symbols and bonuses reflect the mystique of ancient Egypt and provide a unique thematic element to the slot game experience.

Playing as gods and mythological figures in Smite

Within the vibrant world of the popular MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) game, Smite, the representation of Egyptian culture is truly noteworthy. With a diverse cast of gods drawn from various mythologies, the Egyptian pantheon stands out prominently. Smite succeeds in portraying these iconic figures with utmost respect, ensuring their individuality is preserved within the game. Among the expansive roster of deities, the Egyptian pantheon boasts an extensive presence.

While players can embody well-known figures like Osiris and Anubis, Smite goes the extra mile by incorporating lesser-known entities such as Neith and Geb. In more recent years, the game has introduced the Egyptian God of the Sun, Ra. This attention to detail and inclusion of a wide range of Egyptian gods showcases the game's commitment to honouring and showcasing the depth and diversity of Egyptian mythology.

The theme has also been used for horror representation

Egyptian culture also finds its way into the realm of horror games, where its ancient mystique and eerie symbolism create an atmosphere of terror. Forewarned, available on Steam, masterfully incorporates elements of Egyptian culture to instil a sense of dread. In the game, mummies, an iconic symbol of Egyptian mythology, take centre stage as terrifying adversaries.

These reanimated corpses, wrapped in tattered bandages and adorned with ancient relics, evoke a spine-chilling aura. As players navigate treacherous tombs and face these undead horrors, the game harnesses the rich mythology surrounding mummies to create an immersive and haunting experience. The combination of Egyptian cultural references and the horror genre adds a unique and unsettling layer to the gameplay, enticing players into a world where ancient fears come to life.


In conclusion, video games have proven to be a powerful medium for representing and immersing players in the wonders of Egyptian culture. From the intricate costumes and realistic structures to the symbolism and Egyptian mythology, these games offer an engaging and captivating exploration of ancient Egypt's rich heritage.