What Video Game World Would You Choose?

If you were given the choice to step into one of the video game worlds to live in—knowing you might never leave—what would you do?

Would you seek comfort and calm, or danger and discovery? Would you choose safety, power, beauty, or purpose? And if being “trapped” was part of the deal… would that change your answer?

That’s the question at the heart of this community piece.

Across genres, platforms, and generations, video games have created worlds that stay with us long after the credits roll. Some offer peace and escapism. Others challenge us, test us, or force us to confront uncomfortable truths. For this article, I reached out to voices from all corners of the gaming community—developers, creators, journalists, industry veterans, and friends—to ask a simple but revealing question:

What Video Game World Would You Choose to Live In… Or Be Trapped In?

From BAFTA-nominated artist Tomas Sala, to Xbox architect Seamus Blackley, to industry leaders like Aaron Greenberg, Ralph Jodice Jr, and Jez Corden, alongside creators, writers, podcasters, and community pillars, the answers that came back were thoughtful, surprising, personal, and deeply revealing.

Some chose worlds of wonder.
Some chose danger.
Others chose places that reflect who they are—and who they strive to be.

Here are their stories.

Planescape Sigil

Creator of the Falconeer, Tomas Sala

First up in our massive community piece is none other than BAFTA-nominated artist Tomas Sala. If the name doesn’t immediately ring a bell, you might remember him as the creator of The Falconeer. Every interaction I’ve had with Tomas has been fantastic. He’s always more than happy to talk about the world he’d choose to live in—or be trapped in. Here’s what he shared with me.

If there was no escaping it (I kinda like base reality), and had a choice, then I would wake up in Sigil. Let’s be honest, nearly every game universe is going to be a hell of limitations. That’s more or less what gaming is. It’s an abstracted, limited version of a reality, in which you adhere to the rules to improve your skills and beat the problem. Sigil, as a place, I guess, was designed to break the rules. Plus allow things to go off script, which is kinda what makes it so appealing. Anything goes, and you’re both trapped and free to escape. That’s what the city of doors represents: opportunity.

I mean, almost every setting has you turning into a “sim” or limited character. Or you become a repeating punching doll (albeit one that punches back), regardless of the power fantasy. None of that sounds like a lot of fun. But in Sigil, you can escape anywhere, even back home, right? Or you can run around and hang around with angels, demons, gods, and anything under the sun. There is a bit of risk of getting your head bashed in. But all within some pretty strict but understandable rulesets, and the only place you are welcome to cheat. Feels like a world a game designer would feel at home.

Hogwarts Legacy

Game Developer & Host of Pixelated Echoes, 3Bit

One of the most talented people I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know is 3Bit. A specialist in CG animation, you’ve almost certainly seen a commercial or two he’s contributed to. He’s also worked in game development across multiple studios. He still doesn’t get nearly enough credit for the depth of his talent. Alongside Fuzzy Belvedere, he co-hosts the Pixelated Echoes podcast. Here’s what 3Bit had to say about the world he’d choose to live in—or find himself trapped in.

So I would love to be trapped in Hogwarts Legacy. Harry Potter has one of those worlds where it’s so easy to get lost in its universe. Plus, the lore setup is so well-done. I would say Halo, but only if I’m a Spartan or something. Cause it can get depressing real-quick in that world, but the beauty of the Halo rings is insane. I remember playing as a kid, imagining what it would be like to live on Blood Gulch Island.

Avowed

Host of the Xbox Expansion Pass, Insipid Ghost

The next person to share his thoughts with us is the host of the Xbox Expansion Pass, Insipid Ghost. If you enjoy shows built around fantastic interviews, this is the one to follow. Insipid Ghost has spoken with an incredible range of guests from across the industry. He’s always focused on shining a spotlight on people who don’t usually get that opportunity. I had the pleasure of spending some time with him this year, and here’s what he had to say.

It’s such a strange thing to think about: What Video Game World Would I Want To Live In? Nearly all gaming worlds are built around problems or disasters that the player is forced to solve. Do I want a bright, colorful, and safe world that a cozy game might require? Or do I go with an exciting game where drastic measures are taken to survive? I suppose that a cozy game would be safest and smartest, but today I’m choosing the world of excitement: Avowed.

The world of Avowed is bright, colorful, and full of magical wonder. Being able to cast spells, manipulate the elements, and conjure animals just sounds incredible. I’d explore the living lands for all they have to offer and gather views from around the world to think back on. No doubt I’d battle evil and make my choices accordingly as well. My only real concern is the lack of indoor plumbing, and the lack of romance options does make you worry.

Cyberpunk 2077

Industry Reporter & Senior Writer for Lords of Gaming, Daniel Amoroso

The next person we’re highlighting is none other than recently returned Lords of Gaming team member Daniel Amoroso. Daniel consistently brings his passion for the gaming and entertainment industries to everything he does. His work for Lords of Gaming—and previously for outlets like Game Rant—speaks for itself. Through his articles, interviews, and industry coverage, he’s showcased an impressive range of skills. I’ve had the privilege of interacting with him many times, and he’s genuinely a great person. Here’s what Daniel shared with us.

For me, it would have to be the Cyberpunk 2077 in-game world of Night City. Endless possibilities from genetic enhancements, giving me crazy new powers, to taking on wacky new jobs, or just living my best life in the city that never sleeps. So many people to meet and things to do- can’t think of a cooler video game location to live out the rest of my days in!

Albion (Fable)

Senior Editor for Lords of Gaming, Joseph Repko

Next up, we have the avid Warframe enthusiast and Senior Editor at Lords of Gaming, Joseph Repko. You probably know him for his steady stream of Warframe coverage, along with a variety of other great pieces—including his standout Astro Bot feature for Windows Central. When it comes to choosing a world to live in or be trapped in, Joe picked the one that originally pulled him into gaming. Here’s what he shared.

To be stuck in a video game world, away from all of the weird troubles our world has to offer, would of course be ideal. And what better setting than Albion from Fable? A place that I grew up in, which seems like multiple times. From my real life as a kid from the age of 9 playing the original more times than I count, and watching my character grow from childhood to adulthood in 1 & 2 equal amounts. But what makes Albion so unique to me is the days of old, the fantasy setting calls for.

No industrialism getting in the way, children growing up happy and free of future burdens, and a world of whimsy and magic to start a life in… it is truly the ideal world to me. If, of course, the “video game” stuff like enemies and world-ending plots were not present. However, no matter what would come, Albion is a place I have already called home many times before. And I would love to escape and stay there if that were a possibility.

The Alters

CEO of LOGNET & Host of the Iron Lords Podcast, Lord Cognito

When it comes to my writing journey, there’s one person who started it all and has always had my back: Mr. 24/7 himself, The Shinobi — Lord Cognito. He is, without question, the hardest-working person I know. This is the man who left the hospital, still recovering, and still made the trip to PAX West a couple of years ago. No matter where an event takes place, he does everything he can to be there and bring the best content possible alongside the rest of the Lords—just like their incredible trip to the Tokyo Game Show in Japan this year.

You can catch him and the rest of the Lords every Sunday on The Lord’s Day, where they spotlight creators, celebrate industry voices, and honor gaming as a whole on their YouTube channel. You can even catch them on their new show, ILP After Dark. He’s someone I genuinely look up to, and here’s what Cog shared in a short video.