Video games represent a big chunk of the entertainment industry. There are games created based on anime and even anime based on games. Good examples include Solo Leveling: ARISE from the Solo Leveling manga and anime series and the Pokémon anime franchise based on the collectible card game and video game series.

For anime series whose storylines are all about games and video games, there are several gems in that genre. Honestly, way more than you would expect! Moving from the more popular Sword Art Online series to other unknowns, let’s explore the world of various MMORPGs, virtual reality games, and other top video game anime.

For you non-gamers out there, here are some common acronyms that are used in this article.

Top Tier | Must Watch Gaming Anime

Sword Art Online

Sword Art Online (SAO) is considered one of the best anime about gaming for its unique premise, thrilling action, and in-depth exploration of VR worlds. Released in 2012 and set in the far-off future of 2022, it swiftly became a global sensation.

In 2022, players of the advanced VR MMORPG Sword Art Online find themselves trapped in the game by its creator. To escape, they must complete all 100 tower levels. However, dying in the game results in real-life death. Kirito, a skilled beta tester, battles for freedom with new friends and fellow players, facing intricate relationships and moral challenges.

One of SAO’s strongest points is its exploration of gaming culture and the blurred lines between real and virtual worlds. The idea of being fully immersed in a game where the stakes are as high as life and death appealed to many fans, especially those experienced with MMORPGs. The series transcended mere action, evolving into a profound commentary on the potential benefits and risks of advanced technology.

Log Horizon

Log Horizon stands out as one of the top anime series about video games, effortlessly blending elements of fantasy, adventure, and strategy. The plot centers around thirty thousand players, including Shiroe, who become trapped within the MMORPG Elder Tale following an unexpected update. In contrast to other stuck-in-a-game stories, Log Horizon thoroughly explores the intricacies of the gaming universe – addressing aspects such as NPC politics and survival strategies.

Shiroe, a brilliant strategist, navigates this new reality with his companions, Akatsuki and Naotsugu. United, they face the trials of a realm where death holds no finality, sustenance lacks flavor, and collaboration is essential for survival. Log Horizon distinguishes itself through its emphasis on teamwork, the development of community, and its insightful examination of game mechanics, positioning it as a remarkable entry into the genre of anime centered on video games.

No Game No Life

Released in 2014, No Game No Life tells the story of siblings Sora and Shiro, two unbeatable gamers, who are transported to Disboard, a world where conflicts are resolved through games. With no war or killing allowed, they plan to conquer Disboard’s ruling species and overthrow the god of games, leveraging their unmatched gaming skills to maintain their undefeated reputation.

The No Game No Life anime series immerses viewers in the unique world of Disboard with its vibrant art and modern touch. Also, the fantasy setting is enhanced by crisp, clear animations and an awe-inspiring design. While the world may seem familiar with its magical races and a parallel universe, No Game No Life transforms the tropes into something fresh and entertaining. What makes this anime especially appealing is its perfect blend of Western and Eastern gaming cultures, making it highly relatable for a global audience.

The King’s Avatar

Also known as Quanzhi Gaoshou, The King's Avatar is a Chinese Donghua web series. It premiered in 2017, adapted from the web novel of the same title by Hu Dielan. The series portrays the imaginary esports landscape in China, centering on a multiplayer online video game known as Glory.

It tells the story of Ye Xiu, an elite player in Glory who faces an unexpected retirement from his professional team. Starting afresh at an internet café, he dives back into the game, this time with a new avatar, Lord Grim. In the face of challenges, Ye Xiu draws upon a decade of experience to ascend once more to the peak, capturing the interest of other gamers and guilds alike.

Highly Recommended | Anime With Strong Gaming Themes

Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online

The twelve-episode Sword Art Online spin-off, Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online is regarded as one of the finest videogame anime series ever made. Set in the gun-filled virtual world of Gun Gale Online, it follows Karen Kohiruimaki, a timid university student who escapes her real-life insecurities by taking on the persona of LLENN, a fierce, small-sized player killer known as the "Pink Devil." LLENN’s dedication to perfecting her abilities and affection for her adorable avatar drives her to excel in the game.

However, her encounter with Pitohui, an eccentric and skilled player, prompts her to take part in Squad Jam, a high-stakes battle royale. This series masterfully combines action, strategy, and character development. But, that’s not all! A second season premiered in October 2024, bringing this fine show back to screens.

Recovery of an MMO Junkie

The anime, Net Juu no Susume, begins as a parody of MMORPGs, featuring some familiar elements and standard jokes. However, gradually the game theme begins to diminish, to the extent that it appears to be a secondary element. In exchange, what unfolds later is a narrative featuring one of the most impressive paces of plot progression and character development we've encountered in some time. The anime begins with an individual embarking on a new life; one that defies expectations, as it unfolds in an online realm.

Yet, the world surrounding her starts to transform through a series of coincidences gradually merging her offline and online lives to a point where both worlds appear surreal to her, and to some extent, to the viewers also.

Bofuri: I Don’t Want To Get Hurt, So I’ll Max Out My Defense

The 2020-made anime series follows the cheerful journey of Kaede, who takes on the name Maple in a VRMMO game. Uninterested in sustaining damage, she maximizes her defense stats to an extreme degree, making her a comically overpowered character. The series highlights her charming and lighthearted attitude towards gaming, lacking significant conflicts or tension.

The show's simplicity and limited complexity might leave certain viewers wanting more. Of course, many others find joy in the laid-back, uplifting atmosphere. They delight in following Maple's journey as she unintentionally rises to become one of the game's most formidable players, resulting in an enjoyable and entertaining experience.

Shangri-La Frontier

Shangri-La Frontier is a breath of fresh air in the video game anime genre, breaking away from tired tropes often seen in the Isekai series. Instead of drowning viewers in meaningless RPG mechanics or one-dimensional characters, this anime focuses on a passionate gamer who dives into a critically acclaimed game after enduring a series of terrible ones.

The anime truly captures the fun of gaming, offering a realistic world with engaging lore and a believable player base. With stunning animation by C2C and an exciting two-cour run, Shangri-La Frontier has impressed fans, showing what a true video game anime should be, and setting a new standard for others in the genre.

Worth A Watch | Anime With Gaming Elements

.Hack//Sign

Pronounced as Dot Hack Sign, this is an interesting Japanese anime series produced by Bandai Visual and studio Bee Train, with Koichi Mashimo as the director. It is one of four original stories in the .Hack franchise, a collection of four PlayStation 2 games that tell the story of BlackRose and Kite, two .Hackers. In 2002, twenty-six original episodes graced the television screen, complemented by three bonus episodes made available on DVD as OVA (Original Video Animation).

A more common opinion about .Hack//Sign is that it has a dull storyline, features minimal action, and lacks good pacing. Although certain aspects of these are true, the story primarily revolves around character development and interaction. Using their interactions, it gives viewers insights about every character (main and side) which gradually contributes to the plot progression. The plot revolves around matching and clashing personalities, propelled by mysteries.

Welcome To The N.H.K

Welcome to the N.H.K. is an engaging anime that focuses on Satou Tatsuhiro, a 22-year-old hikikomori, and NEET. Satou feels trapped by a worldwide conspiracy orchestrated by the "N.H.K." to keep him in isolation. His story strikes a chord with gamers and anime fans who might connect with experiences of social withdrawal or the desire for escapism. The anime presents a blend of humor and poignant moments, as Satou endeavors to escape his reclusive lifestyle.

When a mysterious girl named Misaki offers to "save" him, the story progresses in surprising ways. Welcome to the N.H.K. combines emotional depth with humor, providing a distinctive perspective on isolation that resonates with anyone experiencing disconnection from society.

New Game!

What sets New Game! apart from many other series within its genre is its setting in adult society. The story unfolds at Eagle Jump, a fictional video game company where Suzukabe Aoba pursues a position as a character designer following her recent high school graduation. The series centers on Aoba and her senior colleagues as they navigate their everyday experiences in the workplace, where they are engaged in developing the third stage of one of Aoba's beloved childhood games.

Aoba is the perfect protagonist because of her vivacious and upbeat nature, which sparks enjoyable conversations even when she doesn't say anything. She makes other characters come to life, such as her fun and boyish tutor Yagami Kou and Tooyama Rin, the endearing art director who has a thing for Kou.

Honorable Mentions

Good Night World

Uru Okabe’s Good Night World manga series was serialized on MangaOne and Ura Sunday’s website for 14 months. Its fifty-two chapters were collected into five volumes while the anime adaptation had twelve episodes in total.

The storyline follows the story of the formidable Akabane Family, a team/family of highly skilled players in an online game called Planet. Unbeknownst to them, these four players are, in reality, a dysfunctional family—consisting of a reclusive older brother, an ambitious younger brother, a father who lacks regard, and a neglectful mother. Although they feel a momentary connection within the game, they are unaware of their genuine familial ties.

Good Night World explores the characters' in-game adventures alongside the profound emotional complexities that intertwine the virtual world with their troubled real-life connections.

Loving Yamada At Level 999

Admittedly, this anime series exceeds expectations. While the title might throw people off, several viewers (including me) are usually pleased they tried this one out.

The plot centers around a university student named Akane, who has recently broken up with her boyfriend. In the online game that Akane and her ex used to play, she encounters Yamada, a good-looking but reclusive high school senior. The plot then unfolds into a romantic comedy, with Akane and Yamada growing increasingly closer as the plot develops.

The storyline is somewhat similar to Horimiya and the amusing romantic comedy features a laid-back slice of life vibe. It’s perfectly blended with humor that appeals to everyone. The animation is excellent and features excellent Chibi-style animation that adds a little extra humor.

Skeleton Knight In Another World

In Spring 2022, HORNETS and Studio Kai graced TV Screens with the anime adaption of the Skeleton Knight In Another World light novel created by Ennki Hakari and drawn by KeG. The narrative centers on an unnamed gamer who wakes up in the body of his online game avatar, a skeleton knight known as Arc. In the RPG game world, Arc conceals his identity while helping those in need. In his journey, he saves an enslaved elf, forms a bond with a magical fox, and collaborates with an elf named Ariane to liberate other captured elves. They join forces on a mission to abolish the slave trade, as Arc seeks a means to break his skeletal curse.

Hi Score Girl

Hai Sukoa Garu, as it is otherwise known, is a Japanese manga series created by Rensuke Oshikiri, which was published from 2010 to 2018. It tells the story of Haruo Yaguchi, an arcade gamer, and his connection with the reserved gamer Akira Ono. It follows the characters’ journey from around age 12 to approximately age 17. Regarded as a romantic comedy from the 1990s arcade scene, the series stands out for its distinctive art style and meticulous representations of the various gaming hardware and software showcased. The anime adaptation produced by SMDE and J.C.Staff aired from Summer 2018 to Winter 2019.