The history of Australia is a story of Indigenous heritage, colonial struggles, and wild beautiful nature. The country has inspired some fantastic games and movies over the years.
In this article, we will discuss some of the influence of Australia in movies and games
Games Inspired by Aussie History
The gaming industry in Australia might not be the biggest, but it has produced some global titles that celebrate the country’s legacies.
1. Ty the Tasmanian Tiger
This fun platformer was released in 2002. It follows a Tasmanian tiger named Ty who throws boomerangs. Set in a colourful, Aussie-inspired world, it features lush rainforests, red deserts, and cute Aussie animals. While it doesn’t connect to historical events, the game highlights the country’s natural beauty and wildlife.
2. Never Alone: Kisima Inŋitchuŋa
Even though this game focuses on Alaska Native culture, its development got Aussie creators thinking about Indigenous storytelling in games. Some Australian developers have hade similar experiences. It combines gameplay with Aboriginal Dreamtime stories. That is not all. It also features spirituality, myths, and the bond between Aboriginal people and their land.
3. Hollow Knight
This beloved indie game, made in Adelaide, takes inspiration from Australia’s landscapes and underground ecosystems. While it’s not about Aussie culture, its spooky, cavernous world reflects the beauty of Australia’s unique caves and outback.
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Movies Inspired by Australia’s Past
Australian films have a rich history of sharing stories that mirror the nation’s struggles, victories, and diverse cultures. Whether it’s from Indigenous viewpoints or focuses on colonial times, these movies bring Australia’s history to life.
1. Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002)
This movie is based on a true story and shows the harrowing experiences of the Stolen Generations. In 1931, three Aboriginal girls were taken away from their families and put in a settlement to make them fit into white Australian society. They escape and start a long trek of 1,500 miles along Australia’s rabbit-proof fence to find their way home. It also reminds one of some of the darker periods in Australian history.
2. The Tracker (2002)
This story takes us abc to 1922. Here, an Aboriginal tracker and three white men were looking for a runaway. It touches sensitive topics such as race, power, and the nature of justice during Australia’s colonial period. This film makes you think and stands out in Australian cinema because it uses art instead of graphic violence to tell its story.
3. Australia (2008)
This epic film by Baz Luhrmann is like a love letter to Australia’s past. The movie mixes romance with stories of survival in the rugged outback. Taking place during World War II, it combines tales of cattle herders, Indigenous culture, and the bombing of Darwin, giving a Hollywood-style view of life in Australia.
4. Mad Max Series
While it’s more futuristic than historical, the Mad Max series is still Australian. Directed by George Miller, it captures the raw spirit of the Australian outback—rugged, desolate, and wild. The vehicles, scenery, and characters scream “Australia,” even in their chaotic, post-apocalyptic world.
Aboriginal Stories in Media
The culture and myths of Australia’s First Nations peoples are filled with stories shared for thousands of years. These Dreamtime stories explain how the land, animals, and even humans came to be. Games and movies are starting to share these tales with audiences worldwide.
1. The Songlines
This idea, often found in Aboriginal storytelling, has inspired media highlighting the connection between people and the land. Some indie games and documentaries explore how Dreamtime myths shape Australia’s cultural identity.
2. Ten Canoes (2006)
This groundbreaking film is entirely in the Yolŋu Matha language and tells an ancient Aboriginal story while giving a peek into traditional lifestyles. With a fun and warm narration, it’s a must-see for anyone curious about Indigenous Australian culture.
These games and movies are a fun way to learn about Australia. They show its beautiful landscapes, unique animals, and rich history. Most of them remind us about the struggles of Indigenous people. Others shine light on the culture of Australia. Whether you’re playing a game or watching a film, you’re experiencing a piece of what makes Australia so unique.