Brandon Sanderson’s Top Game Picks Are Totally Logical

Let’s take a look at Sanderson’s top ten games:

10. Katamari Damacy
9. Undertale
8. Fallout: New Vegas
7. Super Mario World
6. The Curse of Monkey Island
5. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
4. Halo 2
3. Final Fantasy X
2. Bloodborne
1. Civilization VI

You can dive into Sanderson’s blog for his insights on each title, but we have some additional thoughts on this lineup and its connection to his work—things you won’t hear from him directly.

Right from the start, the variety in this selection jumps out. It’s a mix that touches almost every gaming genre. Everything from 4X strategy and first-person shooters to RPGs and the unique quirkiness of Katamari finds a spot. While it’s not shocking that Sanderson’s choices branch out beyond his fantasy and sci-fi writing spheres, it’s intriguing to think how the charm of Undertale or the classic appeal of Super Mario World might weave their way into his storytelling.

A few picks on his list seem to resonate more closely with the themes present in his literary works, offering a lens into his creative universe. Take Bloodborne and Breath of the Wild, for instance—they pair seamlessly with Sanderson’s fantasy realms, both filled with rich worlds and a spirit of adventure that keeps players challenged and engaged. On the other hand, the humor and wit found in games like Curse of Monkey Island and Fallout: New Vegas mirror the playful irreverence you’d find sprinkled through his narratives.

The key pieces that tie his gaming favorites to his written world, however, are Final Fantasy X and Civilization VI. Readers familiar with Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive series know how adeptly he blends a multitude of cultures and societies, a skill undoubtedly honed by countless hours in Civilization, managing empires and navigating the intricate tango of diplomacy and warfare. He’s also a self-professed lifelong fan of the Final Fantasy series, which has clearly left an imprint on how he constructs the magical elements in his stories. While a deep dive into the connections between his Cosmere and the universes of Final Fantasy could fill volumes, it’s telling that X is the standout for him.

Sanderson is open about the art forms that inspire him and how they interact with his writing process. Hopefully, this list of favorite games is just the start, and we’ll see him explore how these digital adventures have influenced him even further down the line.