Beyond The Nile: Why Do Game Developers Keep Returning To Egypt’s Legends And Landscapes?

Those who love electronic games have probably come across an Egypt-themed adventure. In fact, some of the most popular franchises have dedicated at least part of their plot to the mysteries of a bygone era of pharaohs, mummies, and ancient curses. Assassin’s Creed, Diablo, and Age of Mythology are just a few examples of top-notch games based on a theme that keeps on giving. 

Here’s the magic behind Ancient Egypt-themed games and why they’re so magnetic.

Reviving History

Based on movies and some games, it’s easy to assume that Ancient Egyptian history is all about the pyramids, god-like pharaohs, and, at some point, Cleopatra. However, according to historians, the “ancient” part of the country’s history spanned from 3100 BC to 30 BC, approximately. It means three millennia of history, with dynasties rising and falling and wars coming and going. 

Needless to say, fantasy movies and games revisit the theme in a highly fetishized way; they hardly pinpoint the historical moment they’re reviving, making it all about sandy deserts, opulent architecture, and mysterious sarcophagi. It doesn’t matter if it’s not historically accurate, though. The result is (almost) always fun.

Hollywood did a formidable job defining what people generally recognize as “ancient Egyptian,” with movies like Stargate, Cleopatra, Indiana Jones, The Mummy, and more. The gaming industry didn’t take long to realize the theme’s formidable potential. PC games with Egyptian spice were already around in the 1980s, with games like “The Pyramids of Egypt” (1987), which was pretty much a stylized Pac-Man, with mazes and monsters.

The gaming industry has expanded significantly since then, and the concept has expanded with it. Nowadays, options range from the most complex RPG adventures to easy-going titles like Book of Dead. Nobody knows how many such games there are, as new ones appear yearly. What about this theme makes it so catchy? 

Timeless Entertainment

It’s easy to understand why creators and developers love it so much. Ancient Egypt’s history, culture, and mythology are rich and fertile. In other words, it’s the perfect canvas for blending fantasy and reality. Indeed, some games are so realistic that they are even used for educational purposes. Such is the case of Assassin’s Creed Origins, where players can explore the riches of the Ptolemaic era in the Discovery Tour.

Egypt has impressive and unique architecture bearing testimony to its past grandeur. To this day, scientists and researchers wonder how they lifted such massive rock blocks to make the pyramids. Indeed, it was a very refined civilization, with highly skilled builders and artisans, as seen in temples like Abu Simbel and Karnak, not to mention the Sphinx.  

Egyptian mythology is a gift to screenwriters, with plenty of rich stories just waiting to be revived. Its pantheon of gods is richly depicted in its art and architecture, so creators have a solid base to develop their magical powers and visual concepts to come up with engaging and intuitive gameplay.

History-focused games have a long period to draw inspiration from; the pharaohs’ period, the conquest by Alexander the Great, the adventures of Cleopatra and Julius Caesar, the list is long.Additionally, it has a complex mythology regarding the afterlife and unique burial rituals, like mummification, providing an endless source of inspiration for fantasy adventures. Nearly two millennia have passed since the end of the ancient period, but its influence in art, literature, and architecture can still be seen in Western society.  

New Adventures

Egyptian-themed games have a faithful and growing audience as the theme, ironically, never gets old. New adventures have come up this year, created by some of the leading studios in the industry. Learn more about them below. 

Builders of Egypt

For those who miss battles in city-building games, Builders of Egypt is a treat. Players can develop historical cities through the ages and need to control the economy, build armies, wage war, and survive invasions. The game includes campaign and sandbox modes, with impressive graphics and aerial views of the city. Builders of Egypt was developed by Plaway and released for PC last January.  

Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy

One of the most popular titles of the PS2 era is back, remastered. The original game was released in 2003 and was so successful that it has received two remakes already: one in 2017 and the other in 2019. The third and newest one came out last April for PS4, and it’s available on PlayStation Store. The adventure contains magic portals, special powers, and even an “undead” mummy.

Civilization VII

One of the most remarkable strategy franchises is back in 2025. It’s not entirely based on Ancient Egypt, but the civilization plays a vital role in the game, as it did in real life. Here, Ancient Egyptians are revived as unmatched wonder-builders but with not very strong armies. Nevertheless, it’s one of the most powerful civilizations in the entire franchise. The sequel comes with stunning graphics and even more complex development options, dealing with aspects like culture production and diplomacy.  

Myth of Death

Not all Egyptian-based games are complex or time-consuming. For instance, the slot Myth of Death doesn’t require any skill at all. Myth of Death is the newest release by Play’n GO, one of the most famous slots developers in the online casino industry. Forget about intricate storylines; this classic 5×3-grid game is a no-brainer where players only have to hit “Play.” Prizes and special features are based on deities, artifacts, and a lot of imagination.

Bonus Round

Ancient Egypt’s enduring appeal lies in the perfect blend of history, myth, and visual grandeur. From sprawling RPGs to quick-play slot games, the theme offers endless possibilities to creators of all niches. Indeed, it welcomes both historically accurate recreations and the wildest fantasies.

Every time a new gaming technology comes up, new adventures and remakes emerge, demonstrating the timeless and irresistible allure of the Nile, as well as the great deeds and mysteries of the past. In the gaming world, the sands may shift, but the fascination remains the same across all generations.