Video game menus are more than just loading screens—they're bite-sized art pieces that set the tone for entire adventures. Now, a creative social media trend is blending reality with fiction by turning people, pets, and everyday moments into custom-made game interfaces. These IRL (in real life) video game menus draw inspiration from iconic titles like Batman: Arkham City, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, and the 2018 God of War reboot, featuring dynamic 3D poses that freeze action-packed scenes. The result is a slick, immersive experience that lets anyone become the star of their own (fake) video game. Below, we dive into questions about this phenomenon, including how you can create your own viral-worthy menu.
What Exactly Are IRL Video Game Menus?
IRL video game menus are real-life recreations of the main menu screens seen in popular games. Instead of a digital character or landscape, people film themselves, friends, or even their cats striking dramatic poses that mimic the paused, action-heavy aesthetics of games like God of War or Batman: Arkham City. The trend emerged on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where users overlay text options like "New Game" or "Continue" onto their footage. The result is a convincing, fake interface that makes it look like you're about to start a real video game starring your own life. It's a clever blend of photography, video editing, and gaming nostalgia that offers a quick, creative escape from reality.
Which Video Games Inspire These Real-Life Recreations?
The trend draws heavily from games known for their striking main menu designs. Batman: Arkham City is a key inspiration, with its dark, cinematic shots of Batman perched on a gargoyle or in mid-combat. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance contributes over-the-top action poses, often highlighting a character swinging a sword at a frozen moment. The 2018 God of War reboot uses a slow-pan camera around Kratos and Atreus, with subtle environmental details. Other titles like Uncharted, The Last of Us, and Spider-Man also influence these creations, as they feature menus that smoothly transition between 3D models and background animations. The common thread is a focus on a single character in a powerful stance, with text overlays that feel part of the interface.
Why Are Video Game Menus Considered an Art Form?
Video game menus have a unique challenge: they must grab your attention in just a few seconds while conveying the game's mood and story. Designers use lighting, composition, and subtle motion to make static images feel dynamic. For example, God of War's menu slowly rotates the camera around the characters, revealing the environment without overwhelming the player. Batman: Arkham City uses high-contrast shadows and a gritty color palette to reinforce its noir tone. This art form requires balancing functionality (clear text, easy navigation) with aesthetic appeal. The IRL trend expands on this by applying game-design principles to real-world footage, showing that even a simple menu can be a tiny masterpiece of visual storytelling.
How Can You Create Your Own IRL Video Game Menu?
Making your own IRL menu is easier than you might think. First, choose a theme inspired by a game you love—Arkham City's dark alleys or God of War's snowy mountains. Next, film yourself or a friend holding a dramatic pose, like aiming a toy weapon or looking dramatically into the distance. Use a plain background or a location that matches the game's setting. Then, edit the footage in a video app (CapCut or Adobe Premiere Rush work well) to add a slow camera pan, a subtle zoom, or a freeze-frame effect. Overlay text options like "New Game," "Load Game," and "Settings" in a font similar to the original game's UI. Finally, add a cinematic color grade—cool blues for God of War, gritty yellows for Batman. Share it on social media with hashtags like #IRLMenu or #RealLifeGameMenu.
What Makes These Menus So Visually Appealing?
The appeal lies in the contrast between static and dynamic elements. The main subject appears frozen in time, often mid-action—like a jump or a punch—while the background or camera moves subtly. This technique mimics the "barely frozen" aesthetic of many AAA game menus, where characters seem alive but paused. The color grading also plays a huge role: high contrast, desaturated tones, or dramatic lighting make real-life footage look like a game's rendered cutscene. Additionally, the element of surprise—seeing a human, a cat, or a friend in a game-like interface—creates a delightful disconnect between reality and fantasy. It's a quick hit of creativity that resonates with gamers and non-gamers alike.
Who Are the Stars of These Custom Menus?
Anyone can be the star! The trend started with individuals filming themselves, but it quickly expanded to include friends, family members, and pets. Cats and dogs are especially popular because their unpredictable poses often fit the "action hero" vibe—like a cat stretching that looks like it's preparing for battle. Some creators use costumes or props to enhance the game-like feel, while others rely on editing to transform a simple jump into a heroic landing. The inclusivity of the trend means you don't need a professional model or expensive gear; just a smartphone, a good idea, and a bit of editing skill.
Where Can You Find Examples of These Creations?
Social media platforms are the primary home for IRL video game menus. TikTok and Instagram are filled with videos under hashtags like #IRLGameMenu, #RealLifeMenu, and #GameMenuChallenge. Twitter and Reddit communities such as r/gaming also share standout examples. To get started, search for those hashtags or look up creators who specialize in video game-inspired edits. Many tutorials accompany the trend, showing step-by-step how to achieve the look. If you want to see some of the most polished examples, check out accounts that focus on God of War or Batman recreations—they often use location scouting and advanced lighting to sell the illusion perfectly.
Why Has This Trend Become Popular?
It's a blend of nostalgia, creativity, and accessibility. Gamers love seeing their favorite menus brought to life, while non-gamers enjoy the challenge of making everyday moments look epic. The trend offers a quick, shareable form of escapism—transforming a mundane video of a friend jumping into a cinematic experience. Additionally, the tools required (smartphone cameras and free editing apps) lower the barrier to entry, allowing anyone to participate. The success of similar trends like "cosplaying as game characters" or "real-life video game glitches" paved the way, but the menu trend stands out because it mimics an often-overlooked part of gaming: the menu itself. It's a fresh way to celebrate game design without needing to actually play the game.