Arturo PĂ©rez-Reverte, one of the most widely read Spanish novelistsHe has made it clear that, in addition to books and historical battles, he has another great passion: video games. At over seven decades old, the former war reporter continues to find in the screen a form of entertainment that combines strategy, history, and adrenaline.
This more playful side came to light in his extensive talk on the podcast. The Wild ProjectHosted by Jordi Wild, the writer spoke candidly about his relationship with digital entertainment. There he confessed that He has been playing all kinds of video games for years.Although he has a weakness for war, simulation and strategy titles, genres that fit with his personal experience and literary interests.
From board games to the digital battlefield
During the conversation, PĂ©rez-Reverte recalled that His passion began long before the digital ageHe recounted that he started with tactical board games, such as the legendary squad leaderwhere battles were reenacted with pieces and boards. This early contact with tactics and war simulation left a clear mark on his later tastes.
After that stage came the natural leap to the computer. The writer explained that one of the first video games that captivated him was Close Combat.a real-time strategy title Set during World War II. He claims that even today, from time to time, a game is still played, always against the computer and never against other players.
Another game he mentions repeatedly is Silent Huntera series of submarine simulators in which he takes command of a submersible vessel. Pérez-Reverte confesses that he has spent hours sinking “allied ships ruthlessly,” and in other interviews he has even described this saga as one of his great favorites, which is understandable given his well-known passion for the sea.
The author also refers to his digital library on PC, where he accesses his games through platforms like Steam. He acknowledges, He prefers to play alone, without online interaction.enjoying the game like someone who locks themselves away with a novel: at their own pace and without external distractions.
Call of Duty, Total War and strategy as a playing field
Among the titles that appear most frequently on his list are war games. PĂ©rez-Reverte admits that He has played virtually every installment of the saga Call of DutyHe's focusing on campaigns with a more realistic approach, leaving aside modes like zombies. For him, these war scenarios aren't just a pastime: he pointed out that he knows how to navigate "a city at war" and that he finds it interesting to apply the knowledge he gained during his years as a correspondent to the game.
As part of the strategy, the writer also cited the saga Total War, which he resorts to exceptionally in mode onlineHe describes it as a "very Napoleonic" game, due to its emphasis on large armies, historical campaigns, and large-scale military maneuvers. It is, he said, the only license for which he makes an exception to his usual practice of avoiding multiplayer games.
Along those same strategic lines, he mentioned Age of Empires, a classic of real-time strategy which allows players to build empires, organize armies, and manage resources across different eras. This type of game fits well with his interest in historical processes and the evolution of civilizations, a recurring theme in his literary work.
From Mario to Lara Croft: characters and sagas that entertain him
Beyond war games and tactical maps, PĂ©rez-Reverte hasn't neglected more popular and accessible titles either. During the interview, he acknowledged that has also spent hours with Super Mario Bros., the famous Nintendo platforming saga. In a joking tone, he assured that Princess Peach and he are "very good friends," a way of admitting that, despite his serious image, he also enjoys more lighthearted offerings.
When discussing characters, she clearly leaned towards action heroines. She noted that She is drawn to figures like Lara Croft, from tomb raideror Jill Valentine, from resident evil, regular characters at events such as the Huelva comic book convention, and those she considers closest to the female profiles that appear in her novels: women with character, initiative and an active role in the plot, far from the stereotype of "damsel in distress".
Regarding other titles, he mentioned that he has tried games such as Assassin's Creed o Metal Gear SolidAlthough in these cases it's more of an occasional interest than a regular hobby. They catch his attention because of their historical setting or iconic characters, but they aren't a central part of his gaming routine.
God of War and the gateway to classical culture
One of the most striking moments of the conversation was when PĂ©rez-Reverte spoke about his appreciation for the saga God of WarHe explained that he is particularly interested in it because of its connection to mythology and ancient history, and that he finds it a very effective way to bring classical culture closer to modern gamers, first within the Greco-Roman framework and, in its latest installments, in Nordic-inspired settings.
The writer emphasized that Good video games can serve as a gateway to reading and knowledgeIn his opinion, titles like God of War They encourage players to seek additional information, read about myths, consult history books, or contextualize what appears on screen. For him, this combination of entertainment and intellectual curiosity is one of the medium's greatest strengths.
Advantages and risks of gambling according to PĂ©rez-Reverte
Far from idealizing the phenomenon, PĂ©rez-Reverte also pointed out the other side of the coin. He acknowledged that Excessive use of video games can lead to physical and psychological problems.Back pain, lack of sleep, isolation, frustration, or even conflicts arising from toxic behaviors in competitive communities, as has occurred in environments associated with video games. League of Legends.
At the same time, he clarified that, used wisely, interactive gaming can be a valuable tool. He stated that a calm player, who doesn't turn video games into an obsessionIt can develop skills that you might not train in the same way in real life. He mentioned, for example, the hand-eye coordination and reflexes that many teenagers acquire through first-person shooter games.
He also highlighted the management and planning component of titles such as The Sims or other construction and management gameswhere resources must be organized, time and money managed, or entire cities built. For the author, these types of dynamics serve as practical training for certain strategic and decision-making skills.
He honestly admitted that Not all games are within your reachAnd that some proposals require a reaction speed he no longer possesses. Even so, he believes the medium offers so many variations and genres that everyone can find a way to play that suits their age, tastes, and understanding of leisure.
Arturo PĂ©rez-Reverte's confessions paint a picture of a writer who has transferred his interest in history, war, and adventure to the digital realm, with a list of favorites that shines naval simulators such as Silent Hunter, war sagas like Call of Duty and strategy titles such as Age of Empires o Total Warwithout neglecting such popular icons as Super Mario Bros. or the mythological universe of God of WarFor him, video games, used in moderation and with good judgment, can be both a stimulating pastime and a way to learn, explore other worlds, and continue exercising the mind.
