Empire State Building in video games
Spider-Man swings past it and GTA IV renames it the Rotterdam Tower, but the Art Deco spire gives it away. Empire State Building appears in 2 games on Pixel Pilgrimage: Marvel's Spider-Man and Grand Theft Auto IV (as Rotterdam Tower).
In real lifeThe games
In gameMarvel's Spider-Man2018MidtownReal place, still recognisableThe forest of skyscrapers in the middle of Manhattan, with the Empire State Building at its centre.Game vs real photo 
In gameGrand Theft Auto IV2008Rotterdam TowerInspired by a real placeRotterdam Tower is the tallest building in Liberty City, with an outdoor observation deck on the 82nd floor; The Ballad of Gay Tony lets players climb the spire and parachute off it.Game vs real photo
The real place
The Empire State Building opened in 1931 and was the world's tallest building for nearly forty years. In the game it is one of the photo landmarks, surrounded by a Midtown that is close to the real one, with a few Marvel additions such as Avengers Tower.
Visiting
The 86th-floor open-air deck is the classic view; the 102nd floor is higher but enclosed. Go at opening time or late in the evening to avoid the longest queues.
More landmarks in New York City
- Brooklyn Bridge2
- Central Park2
- Chinatown, Manhattan2
- Financial District, Manhattan2
- Harlem2
- Hell's Kitchen2
- Manhattan Bridge2
- Times Square2
New York City in video games · All landmarks · Marvel's Spider-Man · Grand Theft Auto IV