Irish Pub Games

In recent years open-world video games have become very popular. Whilst some of them are set in sci-fi or fantasy settings, others take place within the real world. An excellent example of this is the Grand Theft Auto series. These games present a satirical view of modern America. The GTA games explore numerous aspects of popular culture, including the popularity of Irish pubs.

Several games in the franchise contain references to Irish drinking establishments. The most notable is GTA IV. It is set in an alternate version of New York called Liberty City. Players take control of a character called Niko, who makes friends with an Irish immigrant named Patrick McReary.

Publications including the Guardian have posted stories about the level of freedom in the game. It is possible to move within the city with Patrick and explore Irish pubs. One of them is called the Steinway Beer Garden. It has a décor scheme similar to a classic Irish bar. This is because it is modelled on the real-life Bohemian Beer Garden found in Astoria, Queens. It stands out as one of the best well-known depictions of Irish pubs in video games.