Written by Edge Akademi on October 18, 2024

Post-Apocalyptic Books That Influenced Survival Games

The post-apocalyptic genre has been a staple of literature for decades, offering a glimpse into a world ravaged by disaster, where humanity struggles to rebuild and survive. These tales, filled with desolate landscapes, resource scarcity, and the remnants of a collapsed civilization, have not only captivated readers but have also left a significant mark on the world of video games, particularly survival games. Games set in post-apocalyptic worlds often draw inspiration from the themes, characters, and settings found in iconic books, creating immersive environments where players must battle the elements, make life-or-death decisions, and explore the unknown.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most influential post-apocalyptic books that have shaped the survival game genre, offering a deeper understanding of the connection between literature and interactive entertainment. We will look at key books, their thematic elements, and how these concepts have been woven into popular survival games.

1. “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy

Cormac McCarthy’s The Road is one of the most haunting and powerful post-apocalyptic novels of the 21st century. Set in a world where an unnamed disaster has wiped out most life on Earth, the story follows a father and his young son as they journey through a bleak, barren landscape, struggling to survive in a world devoid of hope. The novel explores themes of survival, the human condition, and the bonds of family, making it one of the most emotional works in the post-apocalyptic genre.

The stark, desolate setting of The Road has influenced many survival games, particularly in the way that these games focus on the emotional toll of surviving in a hostile world. Games like The Last of Us and Metro Exodus capture the feeling of isolation and despair that is central to McCarthy’s novel. Both games feature protagonists who must navigate a world where resources are scarce, and every decision could mean life or death.

• Key Themes: Isolation, survival, family bonds, moral choices.
• Influential Games: The Last of Us, Metro Exodus, The Long Dark.

You can learn more about The Road here.

2. “The Stand” by Stephen King

Stephen King’s The Stand is another monumental post-apocalyptic novel that has had a lasting impact on both literature and games. Set in the aftermath of a global pandemic that wipes out most of humanity, The Stand follows the survivors as they rebuild society and face off against the forces of good and evil. King’s novel is not only a gripping survival story but also a philosophical exploration of morality, power, and the struggle between light and darkness.

The thematic elements of The Stand have influenced many survival games, particularly those that feature large open-world environments filled with survivors, factions, and moral dilemmas. Games like Fallout and State of Decay draw heavily from the world-building and social dynamics seen in King’s novel. The idea of rebuilding society after a collapse and dealing with the consequences of those decisions is a central theme in many post-apocalyptic survival games.

• Key Themes: Pandemic, survival, morality, rebuilding society.
• Influential Games: Fallout series, State of Decay, The Division.

3. “I Am Legend” by Richard Matheson

Richard Matheson’s I Am Legend is a classic post-apocalyptic novel that explores the loneliness of survival in a world overrun by mutated creatures. The novel tells the story of Robert Neville, the last human survivor in a world ravaged by a virus that turns people into vampiric creatures. As Neville battles isolation and struggles to find a cure, the novel delves into themes of loneliness, fear, and the collapse of society.

The impact of I Am Legend on the survival game genre is clear in the way that many games emphasize the sense of being the last human in a world filled with dangerous creatures. Games like Days Gone and The Walking Dead utilize similar themes of survival against overwhelming odds, often focusing on resource management, crafting, and the constant threat of death. The feeling of being alone in a hostile world, combined with the struggle for survival, mirrors Neville’s own journey in Matheson’s novel. Did you like the article? Read also about Cyberpunk literature.

• Key Themes: Isolation, survival, mutated creatures, loneliness.
• Influential Games: Days Gone, The Walking Dead, Dead Rising.

4. “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins

Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games is one of the most popular post-apocalyptic books of the 21st century, blending dystopian themes with intense survival action. Set in a future where the government forces children to fight to the death in a televised arena, The Hunger Games explores themes of control, rebellion, and survival against oppressive systems. While not strictly a survival game in the traditional sense, the novel’s focus on strategy, resourcefulness, and survival tactics has inspired many survival games, especially those that emphasize combat and competition.

The Hunger Games influence is most evident in battle royale-style games, where players fight against each other in an ever-shrinking arena. Games like Fortnite, PUBG, and Apex Legends all draw inspiration from Collins’ novel, where survival depends on both combat skill and the ability to outlast other players. The survival mechanics in these games often reflect the strategy and resourcefulness found in The Hunger Games.

• Key Themes: Competition, survival, rebellion, resourcefulness.
• Influential Games: Fortnite, PUBG, Apex Legends, The Hunger Games: The Video Game.

5. “Parable of the Sower” by Octavia Butler

Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower is a visionary post-apocalyptic novel set in a future where climate change, economic collapse, and social unrest have created a dystopian society. The story follows a young woman named Lauren Olamina, who possesses the ability to feel the pain of others, as she embarks on a journey to find safety and build a new community. The novel touches on themes of survival, community, and the importance of hope in the face of disaster.

Parable of the Sower has influenced many survival games that focus on the importance of building community and forging alliances in a world where society has crumbled. Games like The Walking Dead: The Final Season and Fallout 76 emphasize the role of building settlements and cooperating with others to survive, mirroring the central themes of Lauren Olamina’s journey in Butler’s novel.

• Key Themes: Climate change, survival, community, hope.
• Influential Games: The Walking Dead: The Final Season, Fallout 76, Surviving the Aftermath.

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Post-apocalyptic literature has not only provided gripping narratives and thought-provoking themes, but it has also played a crucial role in shaping the survival game genre. From the emotional depths of The Road to the dystopian survival strategies in The Hunger Games, these books have inspired game developers to create immersive worlds that challenge players to think critically about survival, morality, and community. Whether navigating a desolate wasteland or building a new society from the ashes of the old world, these novels continue to influence and inspire some of the most engaging survival games on the market today.

As post-apocalyptic fiction continues to evolve, it is likely that both books and games will continue to share ideas and themes, creating even more opportunities for players to experience the challenges of surviving in a collapsed world.