Westworld Creators Were Influenced by GTA and Bioshock

HBO’s Westworld is off to a great start this month, which is no surprise given it seems to be rocking a cast and crew that makes it almost too big to fail. With AAA stars throughout, as well as leading industry directors, writers and more on board, as well as a rumoured $100M bankroll to create the first season, with $25M of that being put into the first episode alone.

However, there are some familiar themes in the show for those who love gaming. The open world setting of the park is not unlike those you would find in a common RPG such as Grand Theft Auto, Skyrim, or more fitting to the theme, Read Dead Redemption. It would come as no surprise then that series creator Jonathan Nolan is citing games like Grand Theft Auto and Bioshock as inspiration for the show.

“We played some as research for making this show, as when (Michael) Crichton first wrote his movie, video games literally didn’t exist except for PONG. I’m happy to report my wife is the world’s most boring Grand Theft Auto player.” Said Nolan at New York Comic Con. “The city looks beautiful if you just slow it down and take your time.” added Lisa Joy Nolan, who is co-creating the show with her Husband. “The way they crafted some of the shots is to mimic a video game.” added actress Thandie Newton.

Aside from GTA, Nolan also commented that “[the games are] amongst the most literate and thoughtful pieces of entertainment I’ve seen in the last ten years.” in regards to the Bioshock series. “The way that we act in our simulations is not how we act in the real world. The way we are there is not the way we are in the real world. That binary aspect of his personality is something we’re exploring, it really speaks to the game-like aspect of it.” He added in relation to Ed Harris character.

What do you think of the gaming world vibe of Westworld so far? Let us know in the comments below.