From iconic titles to forgotten gems, video games have the power to completely immerse us in a creative space where anything is possible. As gamers, we love the experience of being transported to new worlds and alternative realities, and it is not unusual for them to have either inspired or to have been inspired by our most loved books and films.
Whether you want to take a trip back to the golden age of arcade gameplay or reconnect with the console classics, our unique collection of gaming audiobooks will reveal the stories behind the scenes. Buckle up and enjoy the ride, exploring the unique creative cultures behind some of the world’s most innovative and best-known video games.
1. Horus Rising Audiobook | Dan Abnett
It is the 31st millennium. Under the benevolent leadership of the Immortal Emperor, the Imperium of Man stretches across the galaxy. Yet, on the eve of total victory, the Emperor leaves the frontlines, creating a dangerous power vacuum into which steps Horus, the Emperor’s son.
Horus Rising is a novel written by Dan Abnett and the first book in the much-loved Horus Heresy trilogy which has gone on to inspire the Warhammer series of video games.
Will Horus be able to step forward into his new role or will his naive idealism fracture the Imperium and plunge the galaxy into chaos? This superbly narrated title will hold you in suspense throughout as the plot twists and turns from chapter to chapter.
2. The Last Wish Audiobook | Andrzej Sapkowski
Set in an immersive fantasy landscape, The Witcher Saga has served as source material for a much-adored video game franchise, a recent Netflix series and now a ground-breaking audiobook narrated by Peter Kenny.
The audiobook follows the tale of Geralt of Rivea, whose swordsmanship, wit and magic help navigate a world of hostile monsters and scheming royals—making Geralt a much sought-after assassin. Yet, when faced with a crisis of conscience in the pursuit of romance, Geralt finds his swordsmanship and magical abilities are of little use. He must learn to persevere in the face of danger and disaster.
Structured as a selection of short stories, the audiobook unfolds with high drama and suspense with Geralt pulled into a whirlwind of events as he attempts to protect his beloved from those who would do her harm, becoming embroiled in the political intrigues of the powerful.
Read our exclusive interview with Andrzej Sapkowski here.
3. Star Wars: Darth Plagueis Audiobook | James Luceno
Darth Plagueis is the subject of Sith Folklore. He is the most powerful Sith Lord who ever lived. Plagueis strives relentlessly for power and ruthlessly obliterates his Master on account of it.
Consumed by his passions, Plagueis vows never to suffer the same fate. He learns how to resurrect the dead and secretly places his young apprentice Darth Sidious at the heart of the galactic government.
Darth Plagueis and Darth Sidious, master and apprentice, plot to dominate the galaxy and annihilate the Jedi. But can they defy the merciless Sith tradition? Or will the desire of one to rule supreme, and the dream of the other to live forever, sow the seeds of their destruction?
Adding narrative and intrigue to the ever-popular Star Wars Universe, this unique audiobook captures the drama, escapism and depth of the original trilogy, keeping you in suspense as the plot unfolds a long time ago in a galaxy far far away.
4. Ready Player One Audiobook | Ernest Cline
It's the year 2044, and the earth has become a wasteland. Like many others, Wade Watts escapes this depressing reality by spending his waking hours jacked into the OASIS. It is a virtual utopia created by the mysterious James Halliday, who has promised a fortune to the person who can solve the riddles he has left scattered throughout his creation.
For years, millions have struggled fruitlessly to attain this prize. But one day Wade stumbles onto the key to the first puzzle, pitting himself against thousands of competitors in a desperate race to claim the ultimate prize—a chase that takes on terrifying real-world dimensions.
Ready Player One is the original science fiction bestseller that has since become a box office hit. The audiobook preserves all the narrative depth and fun of the novel, immersing you in the rich fantasy world of Ernest Cline.
5. Before the Storm Audiobook | Christie Golden
Azeroth is dying. A dire catastrophe is unfolding below the surface of the world. There is a mortal wound in the heart of Azeroth, struck by the sword of the fallen titan Sargeras. The devastating injury has also revealed a mysterious material known as Azerite, capable of unthinkable destruction in the wrong hands.
As Anduin, the King of Azeroth, races to heal the wounded world, Azerite jeopardises a delicate balance of power, forcing Anduin to seek help from Sylvanas, the Dark Lady, in the quest to create peace and end generations of bloodshed. Will Anduin’s perseverance ensure lasting peace, or will the machinations of the unreliable Sylvanas undo his good work?
In this gripping audiobook, Before The Storm retains all the intensity and dramatic edge of the original science fiction novel, now developed into a video game within the World of Warcraft universe.
6. Awaken Online: Catharsis Audiobook | Travis Bagwell
Jason logs into Awaken Online, a new virtual reality game, to escape life and seek a sense of freedom but quickly finds himself along a path he didn’t anticipate. In this particular game, there are no heroes, bad guys or damsels to rescue.
Now a popular video game, Awaken Online: Catharsis is the official audiobook version of the bestselling action-adventure fantasy novel and is narrated with all the passion, verve and imagination that has already given the series cult status among the science fiction fans.
Wrapped in the sense of mystery and foreboding the Awaken Online series is eerily prescient and asks several questions about the developing world of virtual reality gaming. How will Jason cope as his sense of what is virtual and what is real collapses?
7. War of the Spark: Ravnica Audiobook | Greg Weisman
Teyo Verada wants nothing more than to be a shield mage, wielding arcane energies to protect his people from his world’s vicious diamond storms. Buried alive in the aftermath of a tempest, the young mage’s life is about to end but, in a flash, he finds himself whisked away from his home to Ravnica: a world of stone, glass, and wonder.
Finding himself wrapped up in the conflict of a strange new planet, Teyo pledges himself to defend Ravnica and works to unite fellow mages against the machinations of Nicol Bolas, who plans to ensnare and crush them, ending their power over the Multiverse.
Narrated with vigour and faithful to the original text, War of The Spark: Ravnica will transport you to the fantasy world of Magic: The Gathering, the world’s most popular card strategy online game.
8. Assassin's Creed: Gold Audiobook | Anthony Del Col
Assassin’s Creed: Gold introduces us to Aliyah Khan, the card shark and hustler, who becomes an Assassin to repay a gambling debt. Drawing on the historical conflict between Templars and Assassins, the narrative blends fact and fiction to weave a compelling story around the Great Recoinage of 1696.
Beloved the world over by fans of the franchise, Assassin’s Creed: Gold tells a gripping tale of imminent economic collapse with equal parts adrenaline-fuelled action and thought-provoking reflection that is sure to surprise you at every turn. Not only will this audiobook reveal the backstory behind the best selling series, but it is also a unique and engaging format to rekindle your love for this iconic video game.
9. Off to Be the Wizard Audiobook | Scott Meyer
Martin Banks is a typical American guy. At least, he thought he was until he discovered the ability to manipulate reality to serve his purpose. Unfortunately, with each tweak, he invites the attention of the authorities, so he decides to travel back in time and disguise himself as a Wizard instead. What could go wrong?
Developed as an original take on a classic concept, Off to Be the Wizard won rave reviews among science fiction fans when published in 2014. Finding himself a computer hacker in King Arthur’s court, Martin must now pledge to become a full-fledged master of his craft while discovering the truth behind the ancient wizardry of Merlin. To do so, he must also avoid the unhappy fate of injury or death.
10. HALO: The Fall of the Reach Audiobook | Eric Nylund
Find yourself immersed in the expanded universe of the award-winning video game series HALO with this electrifying origin story of Spartan John-117 – the Master Chief.
With humanity expanding to hundreds of planets, the United Earth Government and the United Nations Space Command struggles to control a vast empire. Seeking galactic peace, Dr Catherine Halsey labours away on a top-secret programme. It has the potential to bring an end to the conflict. Still, she could never guess that she would plant the seed that would become the final hope against an even greater peril engulfing the galaxy, the military alliance of alien races known as the Covenant.
HALO: The Fall Of Reach follows the action in audiobook form breathing new life into one of the best-loved video games of the previous decade. With every twist and turn narrated in rich detail, you will find it hard to put this title down as the story races to its eventual and shocking end.
If you enjoyed this list, why not check out our extensive sci-fi and fantasy collection here.
