Video Game Tattoo Featured Image

Video Game Tattoos

Are you looking to level up your tattoo game with some of the most entertaining designs the web has ever seen? Well, worry not, we’ve got some of the most amazing Video Game Tattoo designs that won’t leave you lagging. 

What are Video Games? 

Video games are interactive digital experiences in which players engage with a virtual world through input devices such as controllers, keyboards, or touchscreens. They combine art, storytelling, design, and technology to create entertainment, challenges, or even emotional journeys.

Players provide input, and the game provides output, such as visuals, sounds, and haptic feedback, based on programmed rules. Many games also use AI to control enemies or allies, making the experience dynamic.

The first video game ever made is often credited to Tennis for Two (1958) or Pong (1972). Today, the gaming industry earns more than movies and music combined, with billions of players worldwide!

Best Video Game Tattoo Clues

Now that we’ve learned a little about Video Games, let’s take a look at some of the best Video Game Tattoo Designs the internet has to offer.

Borderlands Video Game Tattoo

Borderlands is a first-person shooter meets role-playing game created by Gearbox Software and published by 2K Games. It debuted in 2009, and since then, it’s become one of the most iconic franchises in gaming, known for its cell-shaded comic-book art style, dark humour, massive weapon variety, and chaotic co-op gameplay.

Players explore planets filled with bandits, monsters, and corporate lunatics, all in search of the ultimate treasure: the Vault, a mythical alien cache rumoured to contain unimaginable riches and power.

Soulsborne Video Game Tattoo

Soulsborne is a fan-made term that combines “Souls” (from Demon’s Souls and Dark Souls) and “borne” (from Bloodborne). It refers to a subgenre of action RPGs created by FromSoftware, directed primarily by Hidetaka Miyazaki.

Rayman Video Game Tattoo

Rayman is a platform game series created by Michel Ancel and developed by Ubisoft. The first game released in 1995, introducing players to a surreal, colourful world filled with strange creatures, tricky jumps, and a hero who has floating hands and feet!

Despite his odd anatomy, Rayman can throw punches from a distance, glide using his hair like a helicopter, and save worlds with style.

Pokémon Video Game Tattoo

Pokémon (short for Pocket Monsters) is a Japanese media franchise created by Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori, developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company.

It began with video games on the Game Boy in 1996 and quickly grew into one of the biggest franchises in the world, spanning video games, an animated TV series, trading card games, movies, toys, comics, and even live concerts!

Hollow Knight Video Game Tattoo

Hollow Knight is a 2D action-adventure “Metroidvania” game developed by the small Australian studio Team Cherry. Released in 2017, it’s known for its hand-drawn art, challenging gameplay, eerie atmosphere, and deep, mysterious lore. Players explore a vast underground kingdom called Hallownest, a fallen civilization of insects and creatures, filled with secrets, sadness, and beauty.

Its sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, follows Hornet after she is kidnapped and brought to the Kingdom of Pharloom, where she must uncover the reason behind her capture and save the Kingdom from the threat haunting its lands.

Warhammer 40k: Space Marine Video Game Tattoo

The Space Marine games are third-person action shooters set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, where you play as the Space Marine Captain Titus fighting overwhelming alien threats.

Ape Escape Video Game Tattoo

Ape Escape is a 3D platforming and adventure series developed by Japan Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. The first game was released in 1999 on the PlayStation 1 and became iconic for being the first PlayStation game to require the DualShock analog controller.

The story begins with a mischievous monkey named Specter who gains incredible intelligence after wearing a Peak Point Helmet, a device originally made to boost a monkey’s brainpower.

Unfortunately, Specter uses it to lead an army of rebellious monkeys who travel through time to change history and take over the world! You play as Spike (known as Kakeru in Japan), a young boy armed with an arsenal of high-tech gadgets who travels across different eras, capturing the escaped monkeys, and stopping Specter’s evil plans!

Crash Bandicoot Video Game Tattoo

Crash Bandicoot is a 3D platformer series created by Naughty Dog, first released in 1996 for the Sony PlayStation. It stars Crash, a genetically enhanced bandicoot who must stop the evil scientist Doctor Neo Cortex and his gang of bizarre villains.

DOOM Video Game Tattoo

DOOM is a legendary first-person shooter series created by id Software, first released in 1993. It set the standard for the entire FPS genre, combining fast-paced action, heavy metal energy, and gory demon-slaying mayhem.

You play as an unnamed space marine later known simply as the Doom Slayer (or Doomguy) who battles hordes of demons from Hell unleashed on futuristic human colonies, often set on Mars or its moons.

Pikmin Video Game Tattoo

Pikmin is a real-time strategy and puzzle-adventure series developed by Nintendo and created by Shigeru Miyamoto. First released in 2001 on the Nintendo GameCube, Pikmin puts you in control of tiny plant-like creatures called Pikmin, who help you explore, fight, and build in a miniature world but from an ant’s point of view.

The Legend of Zelda Video Game Tattoo

The Legend of Zelda is an action-adventure series created by Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka, developed by Nintendo. The first game was released in 1986, and since then, it’s become one of gaming’s greatest franchises, inspiring countless others with its blend of exploration, puzzles, and heroic storytelling.

Every Zelda game follows a young hero (Link) who must rescue Princess Zelda, defeat a source of evil (usually Ganon or Ganondorf), and restore balance to the kingdom of Hyrule, or other lands beyond.

Ōkami Video Game Tattoo

Ōkami is an action-adventure game developed by Clover Studio and published by Capcom in 2006. The game is heavily inspired by Japanese mythology, folklore, and traditional art, and tells the story of Amaterasu, the Japanese sun goddess, who takes the form of a white wolf to restore life and balance to the world.

Assassin’s Creed Video Game Tattoo

Assassin’s Creed is an action-adventure series developed by Ubisoft, first released in 2007. It combines stealth, parkour, historical settings, and philosophical storytelling, letting players relive the memories of assassins across different eras.

The heart of the series is the secret war between the Assassins, who fight for free will and peace through freedom, and the Templars, who seek peace through control.

Grim Fandango Video Game Tattoo

Grim Fandango is a graphic adventure game developed and published by LucasArts in 1998 and directed by the legendary Tim Schafer. It’s a darkly funny, art-deco-inspired tale set in the Land of the Dead, where the recently deceased travel to their final rest, but not everyone’s journey goes smoothly.

The game mixes film noir, Mexican folklore, and jazzy art deco design to create one of the most unique worlds in gaming history.

Dragon Quest Video Game Tattoo

Dragon Quest (known as Dragon Warrior in early North American releases) is a Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) series created by Yuji Horii, with art by Akira Toriyama (the creator of Dragon Ball) and music by Koichi Sugiyama.

It was first released in 1986 by Enix (now Square Enix), and it’s often called “the father of Japanese RPGs.” Without Dragon Quest, there would be no Final Fantasy, Pokémon, or Persona, as it set the foundation for the entire genre.

Ghost of Tsushima Video Game Tattoo

Ghost of Tsushima is an open-world action-adventure game developed by Sucker Punch Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It was released in 2020 as a PlayStation exclusive and later on PC.

Set in feudal Japan, it tells the story of Jin Sakai, a samurai forced to abandon his honour to save his home island from a Mongol invasion.

Sonic Video Game Tattoo

Sonic the Hedgehog is a platforming video game series created by Sega. The first game was released in 1991 for the Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) as Sega’s answer to Nintendo’s Mario. Sonic quickly became Sega’s mascot and global icon, representing speed, attitude, and coolness, a radical 1990s contrast to Mario’s cheerful plumber persona.

Street Fighter Video Game Tattoo

Street Fighter is a fighting game franchise created and developed by Capcom.
The first game was released in 1987, but it was Street Fighter II (1991) that revolutionized gaming forever, introducing competitive multiplayer, combo systems, and iconic characters that are still beloved today.

It’s one of the most influential video game series ever made, shaping not just fighting games, but gaming culture itself.

Super Mario Video Game Tattoo

Super Mario is a platform game series created by Shigeru Miyamoto and developed by Nintendo. It began with Super Mario Bros. in 1985 on the NES and quickly became one of the most iconic video game franchises in history.

It follows the adventures of Mario, a cheerful Italian plumber who embarks on whimsical journeys to rescue Princess Peach and battle the villainous Bowser.

Nier Video Game Tattoo

NieR is an action-RPG series developed by Cavia and PlatinumGames, and published by Square Enix. It was created by the brilliant and mysterious game designer Yoko Taro, known for his dark humour, deep storytelling, and love of making players question everything.

The NieR games are technically spin-offs of Drakengard, another series by Yoko Taro, but they’ve since become their own universe of emotional chaos, existential questions, and unforgettable music.

God of War Video Game Tattoo

God of War is an action-adventure game series developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It began in 2005 on the PlayStation 2 and follows Kratos, a Spartan warrior turned god, whose story spans across both Greek and Norse mythology.

The series is known for its cinematic storytelling, visceral combat, and evolution of Kratos from a vengeance-fueled antihero to a complex, reflective father figure.

Kirby Video Game Tattoo

Kirby is a platforming game series created by Masahiro Sakurai and developed by HAL Laboratory, a close Nintendo partner. The first game, Kirby’s Dream Land, was released in 1992 on the Game Boy, and since then, Kirby has become one of Nintendo’s most beloved and enduring mascots.

Gris Video Game Tattoo

GRIS is an artistic indie platformer developed by Nomada Studio and published by Devolver Digital. It was released in 2018 for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and mobile.

Rather than relying on combat or dialogue, GRIS tells its story entirely through art, music, and animation. It’s an emotional journey about loss, recovery, and the rediscovery of colour and hope.

Mega Man Video Game Tattoo

Mega Man (known as Rockman in Japan) is a side-scrolling action-platformer series created by Capcom in 1987. The series follows a heroic robot who fights to stop evil machines from taking over the world, combining fast-paced gameplay, challenging platforming, and strategic boss battles.

Final Fantasy Video Game Tattoo

Final Fantasy is a Japanese role-playing game series created by Hironobu Sakaguchi and developed by Square Enix.

The first Final Fantasy was released in 1987 for the NES, meant to be Square’s final game before the company went bankrupt. Instead, it became a massive success, saved the company, and started one of the most beloved franchises ever.

Since then, Final Fantasy has grown into a vast multimedia universe with over 100 titles, including mainline games, spin-offs, movies, anime, and MMOs.

Spryo the Dragon Video Game Tattoo

Spyro the Dragon is a 3D platformer series originally developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. The first game launched in 1998 for the PlayStation 1, and it quickly became one of Sony’s most beloved mascots of the era, right alongside Crash Bandicoot.

Spyro’s games are known for their open, colourful worlds, smooth gliding mechanics, collectathon gameplay, and the fiery attitude of the tiny purple dragon himself.

Wario Land Video Game Tattoo

Wario Land is a series of platforming adventure games developed by Nintendo, starring Wario, Mario’s greedy, grumpy, and gloriously goofy rival. The first Wario Land game appeared in 1994 on the Game Boy, and it quickly grew into one of Nintendo’s most creative platforming franchises, full of quirky humour, puzzle-solving, and secret-filled levels.

The Binding of Issac Video Game Tattoo

The Binding of Isaac is a roguelike action game created by Edmund McMillen (co-creator of Super Meat Boy) and developed by Nicalis. It was first released in 2011 and later expanded into The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth (2014), Afterbirth, Afterbirth+, and Repentance, with each update adding hundreds of items, enemies, and endings.

Isaac lives alone with his deeply religious mother. One day, she hears the “voice of God,” commanding her to purify her son by removing his sins… and eventually, to sacrifice him. Terrified, Isaac escapes through a trapdoor into the basement, where he must fight nightmarish monsters, confront his trauma, and discover the truth about himself and his mother.

Sly Cooper Video Game Tattoo

Sly Cooper is a stealth-action platformer series developed by Sucker Punch Productions. The first game, Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus, launched in 2002 on the PlayStation 2, quickly becoming a beloved PlayStation mascot alongside Ratchet & Clank and Jak & Daxter.

Metal Gear Solid Video Game Tattoo

Metal Gear Solid is a stealth-action series created by the legendary Hideo Kojima and published by Konami. The first Metal Gear game appeared in 1987 on the MSX2 computer, but the series truly exploded into fame with Metal Gear Solid on the PlayStation in 1998.

The franchise blends stealth gameplay, cinematic storytelling, philosophy, and spy-movie drama, tackling complex themes like war, loyalty, freedom, and identity.

Metroid Video Game Tattoo

Metroid is a sci-fi action-adventure series developed by Nintendo, first released in 1986 on the NES.

It’s one of the cornerstones of the “Metroidvania” genre (shared with Castlevania), where players explore large interconnected worlds, collect new abilities, and unlock previously inaccessible areas.

Metroid follows Samus Aran, an intergalactic bounty hunter and one of gaming’s earliest and most powerful female leads. When the first Metroid was released, players thought she was a man until the end credits revealed otherwise, which was a huge twist for 1986.

Cult of the Lamb Video Game Tattoo

Cult of the Lamb is a roguelike action-adventure and cult management sim developed by Massive Monster and published by Devolver Digital. It was released in 2022 and instantly became a fan favourite for its brilliant mix of cute visuals, dark themes, and addictive gameplay loops.

You play as a sweet, innocent little lamb who is resurrected by an ancient god to start a death cult in their name.

Halo Video Game Tattoo

Halo is a military science‐fiction first-person shooter series created originally by Bungie (for the first games) and now developed by 343 Industries (under Microsoft’s umbrella).
Wikipedia

In the 26th century, humanity is at war with a powerful alien theocratic alliance called the Covenant. The Covenant search for ancient alien artefacts left behind by a precursor race known as the Forerunners. These artefacts include the massive ring‐worlds called Halos, which are weapons of staggering power.

Into this war steps the super‐soldier known as Master Chief, wearing his iconic Mjolnir armour, assisted by his AI companion Cortana. Their journey begins with Combat Evolved when they discover the first Halo ring.

Donkey Kong Video Game Tattoo

Donkey Kong is a platforming and action-adventure series created by Nintendo, debuting way back in 1981 as an arcade game designed by a young Shigeru Miyamoto. The original game introduced both Donkey Kong and Mario (then called “Jumpman”). Since then, Donkey Kong has gone from villain to hero, starring in decades of adventures alongside his family.

Enter the Gungeon Video Game Tattoo

Enter the Gungeon is a bullet-hell roguelike developed by Dodge Roll Games and published by Devolver Digital, released in 2016. The game begins with a choice of four characters trapped in the gungeon as they search for the gun that can kill the mistake from their past.

Ratchet and Clank Video Game Tattoo

Ratchet & Clank is a sci-fi action-platformer series developed by Insomniac Games. It debuted on the PlayStation 2 in 2002, quickly becoming one of Sony’s signature franchises, blending exploration, humour, and over-the-top weapons into one unforgettable package.

Gears of War Video Game Tattoo

Gears of War is a third-person, cover-based shooter that was originally developed by Epic Games, now managed by The Coalition under Xbox Game Studios. The first game was released on November 7, 2006, on Xbox 360 and was famous for its classic trailer featuring Mad World by Gary Jules. 

Fall Out Video Game Tattoo

Fallout is a post-apocalyptic role-playing video game series originally developed by Interplay Entertainment (and later by Bethesda Game Studios and others). The game is set in a retro-futuristic world where atomic war devastated the planet, and now survivors struggle in the “Wasteland”, living in Vaults, fighting mutants, forming factions, and trying to rebuild.

Bioshock Video Game Tattoo

BioShock is a first-person shooter series created by Ken Levine and published by 2K Games.  The games blend shooting, exploration, powers/abilities, and moral choices, with philosophical storytelling, a rich atmosphere, and moral ambiguity. 

The original BioShock takes place in Rapture, an underwater city built as an isolated utopia by the industrialist Andrew Ryan. Its sequel, Bioshock 2, is set years later in Rapture, where you play as a prototype Big Daddy trying to rescue a Little Sister and uncover Rapture’s new state. 

BioShock Infinite (2013) is set in the fictional floating city of Columbia, 1912, a floating metropolis built as a symbol of American exceptionalism. You play as Booker DeWitt, a disgraced former Pinkerton agent whose gambling debts and past haunt him. He’s been given a contract to bring someone a certain girl and wipe away his debt.

Kingdom Hearts Video Game Tattoo

Kingdom Hearts is a legendary crossover between Disney and Final Fantasy, full of heart, friendship, and known for some of the most confusing storytelling in gaming history.

Kingdom Hearts is an action RPG series developed by Square Enix, in collaboration with Disney Interactive Studios. It began in 2002 on the PlayStation 2, and has since become one of the most beloved franchises in gaming, despite its convoluted storytelling.

Astro Bot Video Game Tattoo

Astro Bot is a 3D platforming series developed by Team ASOBI, a studio within PlayStation Studios Japan (formerly Japan Studio). Astro is a small blue-eyed robot who started as a tech demo mascot and quickly became one of PlayStation’s most beloved new icons.

The games combine adorable character design, creative level design, and innovative use of PlayStation’s DualSense, PS VR, motion controls, etc. to create magical, joyful experiences.

Jak and Daxter Video Game Tattoo

Jak and Daxter is a 3D action-platformer series created by Naughty Dog. It debuted in 2001 on the PlayStation 2 and became one of Sony’s flagship franchises, known for its seamless worlds, snappy humour, and giant creative leap between each entry.

Journey Video Game Tattoo

Journey is an adventure game developed by thatgamecompany and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game was first released in March 2012 on PlayStation 3 via the PlayStation Network, with later versions coming to PlayStation 4, Windows, and iOS.

The game stands out for its minimalistic approach without dialogue, few traditional HUD elements, and an emotional journey told through visuals, music, and simple mechanics.

Croc Video Game Tattoo

Croc: Legend of the Gobbos is a 3D platform game developed by Argonaut Software and published by Fox Interactive in 1997. It was released for the PlayStation, Sega Saturn and Windows. The game spawned a series, including a sequel, Croc 2, handheld versions, and, recently, a remaster.

Earthbound Video Game Tattoo

EarthBound is a role-playing game (RPG) developed by HAL Laboratory and Ape Inc., and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). It was originally released in Japan in August 1994 under the name Mother 2 and later released in North America in June 1995 under the name EarthBound.

The series is known for its modern-day setting, offbeat humour, emotional story beats, and unique take on the RPG genre.

Animal Crossing Video Game Tattoo

Animal Crossing is a life simulation game series developed and published by Nintendo. It first appeared on the Nintendo 64 (Japan, 2001) and quickly became a global phenomenon for its calm, open-ended gameplay and charming animal villagers.

Shadow of the Colossus Video Game Tattoo

Shadow of the Colossus is an action–adventure game developed by Team Ico, first released in 2005 for the PlayStation 2, with a remaster and full remake version for newer platforms.

You play as a young man named Wander who enters a forbidden land seeking the power of a mysterious entity called Dormin to bring a girl back to life. To resurrect Mono, Wander must destroy sixteen colossal creatures that roam the land and are bound to ancient idols.

Persona Video Game Tattoo

Persona is a Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) series developed by Atlus and is a spin-off of the larger Shin Megami Tensei franchise. The first Persona was released in 1996 with Revelations: Persona, and the series mixes traditional turn-based JRPG combat, social simulation/time-management elements, and deep, psychological themes about identity, self, and human relationships.

Conclusion

Thanks for playing, you’ve reached 100% completion on the amazing journey through the Video Game Tattoo design. With your achievement unlocked, it’s time to shut down, but before you log of, why not check out these Dragon Ball Tattoos or these Dandadan Tattoos.

John Hynes
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