Games That Everyone Should Play This Year

For centuries, architects have relied on physical models, hand-drawn sketches, and, more recently, computer-aided design (CAD) to visualize their projects. However, a surprising new tool has emerged in the architectural toolkit: video game engines. Over the past two decades, firms have increasingly harnessed the power of gaming technology such as Unreal Engine and Unity to create immersive, interactive digital environments that transform how architects design, collaborate, and present their work.

From Virtual Worlds to Architectural Innovation

Game engines, originally developed for platforms like Xbox and PlayStation, are now being repurposed for architectural visualization, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR). These platforms offer:

Hyper-realistic rendering Simulate lighting, weather, and physics in real time.
Massive data handling Process complex architectural models with ease.
Interactive client presentations Allow stakeholders to “walk through” unbuilt spaces.
AI-enhanced workflows Automate repetitive tasks and improve precision.

Leading firms like Populous, HKS, and Payette have integrated these engines into their workflows, unlocking new possibilities in design efficiency and client engagement.

Case Study: Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong

Populous, a global architecture and design firm, adopted Unreal Engine seven years ago. For the 70-acre Kai Tak Sports Park (completed in March 2025), they used the engine to:

Simulate acoustic experiences in different stadium zones.
Model intricate details, such as individual light fixtures, in high resolution.
Streamline collaboration by hosting models on cloud servers for real-time global access.

“Projects generate enormous amounts of data, but much of it is highly detailed and difficult to interpret,” says Nathan Tobeck, Populous’s Regional Digital Lead. “Game engines help organize and visualize this information in intuitive ways.”

Breaking Down Silos with REVIZTO

Swiss AEC software company REVIZTO (founded in 2008) uses Unity to improve collaboration across architecture, engineering, and construction teams. Their platform:

Integrates Revit, ArchiCAD, and Navisworks into a single model.
Automates clash detection, reducing costly errors.
Allows on-site contractors to view models in VR/AR via tablets or smartphones.

“The construction industry is one of the least digitized,” says Arman Gukasyan, REVIZTO’s CEO. “About 30% of budgets are wasted fixing design-phase mistakes. Our platform has processed 280 terabytes of 3D models more than the U.S. Library of Congress!”

Empathy-Driven Design: HKS & the FDA’s Virtual Healthcare Lab

When the U.S. FDA commissioned HKS to reimagine homes as healthcare extensions, the firm turned to Unreal Engine to create Lilypad a VR experience simulating life with diabetes. The tool helped:

Test spatial needs (e.g., insulin storage, dialysis equipment).
Engage stakeholders (patients, caregivers, manufacturers) in the design process.

“Game engines offer features traditional architectural software doesn’t,” notes Nethra Mohan, HKS’s Director of Immersive Experiences. “This is now integral to our workflow.”

The Future: AI, Real-Time Collaboration & Beyond

As AI-powered tools evolve, game engines will further revolutionize architecture by:

Automating generative design.
Enhancing real-time global collaboration.
Enabling new forms of interactive storytelling in design.

“These tools make our designs more adaptable, precise, and human-centric,” says David Hamel, Payette’s Design Director.

The next era of architecture isn’t just about buildings it’s about immersive, data-driven experiences.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

The integration of video game engines into architecture marks a seismic shift in how designers visualize and execute projects. By leveraging real-time rendering, VR, and AI, firms are breaking free from traditional workflows, fostering deeper collaboration, and enhancing client engagement. However, while the technology excels in visualization, some critics argue it risks prioritizing aesthetic immersion over structural practicality, potentially sidelining essential engineering considerations. That said, the ability to simulate real-world conditions from acoustics to sunlight before construction begins is undeniably transformative. As these tools evolve, they could democratize design, allowing even non-architects to shape the spaces of tomorrow.

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