9.3 Historical Events and Settings in Video Games
2 min read•july 25, 2024
Video games bring history to life, letting players experience pivotal moments and interact with historical figures. From battles to adventures, games blend accuracy with artistic license to create engaging historical narratives.
Gameplay mechanics shape how history is presented, with strategy games simulating war tactics and role-playing games personalizing historical stories. While games can oversimplify complex events, they offer unique educational potential by increasing engagement and visualizing past environments.
Historical Representation in Video Games
Representation of history in games
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Top images from around the web for Representation of history in games
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- Historical events commonly depicted in games include large-scale conflicts (World War II), political upheavals (), expeditions (), and societal shifts (Renaissance)
- Historical figures represented through dedicated biographical games (), as supporting characters in larger narratives (), or interacting with fictional protagonists ()
- Balancing accuracy and artistic license ranges from meticulous fact-based recreations () to speculative alternative histories () and mythologized versions of events ()
Historical accuracy vs gameplay
- Gameplay mechanics shape historical representation with turn-based strategy simulating war tactics () and role-playing elements personalizing historical narratives ()
- Historical events adapted to game structures through mission-based progression () or open-world exploration of past settings ()
- Designers compromise between accuracy and player agency by allowing outcome alterations () and simplifying complex historical systems for accessibility ()
Educational potential of history games
- Interactive historical experiences increase engagement () and visualize past environments ()
- Players gain factual knowledge (dates, names, locations) and grasp historical cause-effect relationships ()
- Games as educational tools limited by potential oversimplification () and difficulty conveying nuanced interpretations
- Integration in formal education as supplementary materials () and game-based learning initiatives ()
Ethics of historical portrayals
- Representation of marginalized groups addressed through diverse perspectives () and avoiding stereotypes ()
- Controversial events handled by depicting violence contextually () and presenting multiple viewpoints ()
- Player agency in morally complex scenarios explored through ethical decision-making () and consequential choices ()
- Cultural sensitivity considered by adapting content for different markets (localizations of ) and addressing potential misunderstandings (removal of religious symbols in international versions)
Key Terms to Review (29)
1979 Revolution: Black Friday: The 1979 Revolution, also known as the Iranian Revolution, marked a significant political shift in Iran that culminated in the overthrow of the Pahlavi monarchy and the establishment of an Islamic Republic. Black Friday refers to September 8, 1978, when the Iranian military opened fire on protesters in Tehran, resulting in hundreds of deaths and intensifying opposition to the Shah's regime, highlighting the critical role of civil unrest in the revolution.
Age of Empires: Age of Empires is a series of historical real-time strategy video games that focus on building civilizations and managing resources throughout different historical eras. Players progress through ages, develop technologies, and engage in warfare, all while drawing inspiration from various historical settings, making it a key example of how video games can reflect historical events and societies.
Age of Exploration: The Age of Exploration, also known as the Age of Discovery, refers to the period from the late 15th century to the early 17th century when European powers began extensive overseas exploration. This era was marked by significant maritime advancements and the quest for new trade routes, leading to the discovery of new lands and cultures, which fundamentally changed the world's economic and social dynamics.
Assassin's Creed: Assassin's Creed is a popular video game franchise that combines action-adventure gameplay with historical fiction, allowing players to explore various historical settings through the eyes of an Assassin, a member of a secret society. The series is known for its rich narratives intertwined with real historical events and figures, offering immersive experiences that blend entertainment with education about different cultures and time periods.
Assassin's Creed Discovery Tour: Assassin's Creed Discovery Tour is an educational mode introduced in the Assassin's Creed video game series that allows players to explore historical settings without the combat and narrative elements of traditional gameplay. This feature enables players to engage with historical events, figures, and locations in a more immersive and informative way, highlighting the educational potential of video games as a medium for learning about history.
Call of Duty: Call of Duty is a popular first-person shooter video game franchise that immerses players in military conflicts, often based on real historical events and settings. The series has evolved to include various time periods, from World War II to modern warfare, and has become a cultural phenomenon, influencing the gaming industry and popular culture.
Civilization: Civilization refers to complex societies characterized by the development of urban centers, social stratification, a system of governance, and advancements in culture, technology, and economy. In video games, civilizations often serve as the backdrop for historical events and settings, influencing gameplay mechanics and narrative development while allowing players to engage with different cultures and their contributions to history.
Civilization Series: The Civilization Series is a highly acclaimed video game franchise developed by Sid Meier, where players build and manage a civilization from the ancient era to the modern age. This series emphasizes strategic thinking, resource management, and cultural development, making it a prominent example in discussions about video games as a form of art and their reflection of historical events and settings.
Crusader Kings: Crusader Kings is a grand strategy video game series developed by Paradox Interactive that allows players to control a noble dynasty during the medieval period, primarily focusing on the era of the Crusades. The series emphasizes the interplay of politics, warfare, and diplomacy, with players making decisions that can shape their family's legacy and influence in a tumultuous historical setting.
Europa Universalis: Europa Universalis is a grand strategy video game series developed by Paradox Interactive, set during the early modern period from 1444 to 1821. The games allow players to control a nation and navigate through historical events, managing aspects such as diplomacy, warfare, trade, and colonization while influencing the course of history.
French Revolution: The French Revolution was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France from 1789 to 1799 that marked the decline of absolute monarchy and the rise of democracy and republicanism. This transformative era led to the establishment of a republic, significant changes in society, and inspired revolutionary movements worldwide, especially in the context of how historical events influence narrative and gameplay in video games.
God of War: God of War is an action-adventure video game series that follows the journey of Kratos, a former Greek god seeking revenge against the pantheon of gods and monsters. The series is known for its deep narrative, exploration of themes like vengeance and redemption, and its stunning visuals, set against the backdrop of various historical and mythological events.
Hearts of Iron IV: Hearts of Iron IV is a grand strategy video game developed by Paradox Interactive, set during World War II. Players assume control of a nation and manage its military, political, and economic aspects to achieve dominance in the global conflict. The game emphasizes historical accuracy, allowing players to engage with significant events, decisions, and factions of the era, offering an interactive experience that reflects the complexities of wartime strategy.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance: Kingdom Come: Deliverance is an open-world role-playing video game set in the early 15th century, specifically in the Kingdom of Bohemia during the Hussite Wars. The game emphasizes historical accuracy, providing players with a realistic portrayal of medieval life, including social hierarchies, combat mechanics, and daily tasks, which connects it deeply to actual historical events and settings.
Mafia III: Mafia III is an open-world action-adventure video game set in the late 1960s, focusing on the story of Lincoln Clay, a Vietnam War veteran seeking revenge against the Italian mob in New Bordeaux, a fictional city inspired by New Orleans. The game explores themes of racism, family, and loyalty while presenting a historical context that reflects the social upheaval of the era, making it a significant entry in the discussion of historical events and settings in video games.
Medal of Honor: The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government for acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty. In the realm of video games, particularly within titles like 'Medal of Honor,' it serves as a symbol of heroism and sacrifice, often representing historical military conflicts and the experiences of soldiers during wartime.
Minecraft: education edition: Minecraft: Education Edition is a classroom-friendly version of the popular sandbox video game Minecraft, designed to promote learning in various subjects through interactive and immersive experiences. This edition enables teachers to use the game as a tool for education, integrating historical events and settings into gameplay to enhance students' understanding and engagement.
Mission US: Mission US is an interactive educational video game series that immerses players in historical events through role-playing and decision-making. It aims to teach players about key moments in U.S. history by allowing them to experience the challenges and choices faced by individuals during these times, making history engaging and accessible.
Never Alone: 'Never Alone' is a video game that represents the cultural narratives and traditions of the Iñupiat people of Alaska, blending gameplay with storytelling to create a unique experience. The game emphasizes themes of collaboration, resilience, and the importance of community, showing how these elements are vital in both the game world and real life. By engaging with indigenous culture, 'Never Alone' offers players an authentic representation while also addressing the complex issues of cultural representation and appropriation in gaming.
Oregon Trail: The Oregon Trail was a historic east-to-west route used by pioneers in the 19th century to migrate to the western United States, particularly to Oregon Territory. This trail became a central theme in early video games, notably influencing the design and storytelling of educational games that focus on historical migration and settlement.
Papers, Please: Papers, Please is a narrative-driven puzzle video game that challenges players to assume the role of an immigration officer in a fictional dystopian country. It explores themes of bureaucracy, moral dilemmas, and the complexities of human rights within the context of a totalitarian regime.
Red Dead Redemption: Red Dead Redemption is an action-adventure video game developed by Rockstar Games, released in 2010, set in the American frontier during the early 20th century. This game showcases the transition from 2D to 3D graphics, providing a visually stunning open-world experience that enhances artistic expression through its detailed environments, character designs, and emotional storytelling. It effectively intertwines historical settings with gameplay, allowing players to engage with the social and cultural dynamics of the Wild West era.
Renaissance: The Renaissance was a cultural and intellectual movement that began in Italy during the 14th century and spread throughout Europe, characterized by a renewed interest in classical art, literature, and learning. This period marked the transition from the Middle Ages to modernity, influencing various fields including science, philosophy, and art, ultimately shaping the narrative of human progress.
This War of Mine: This War of Mine is a survival video game that simulates the experiences of civilians during wartime, focusing on the impact of conflict on daily life. The game emphasizes the harsh realities faced by non-combatants, highlighting political and social themes as well as the moral dilemmas players encounter while making choices that affect the characters' survival and well-being.
Through the Darkest of Times: Through the Darkest of Times is a video game that immerses players in the challenges of resistance against oppression during World War II. It provides a narrative-driven experience where players manage a group of resistance fighters, making difficult decisions while navigating the harsh realities of life under Nazi rule. The game emphasizes moral choices and the impact of historical events on individual lives, showcasing the struggle and resilience of those who resisted tyranny.
Total War Series: The Total War Series is a popular series of strategy video games that combines turn-based strategy with real-time tactical battles. Set in various historical periods, the games allow players to control entire nations, manage resources, and engage in large-scale warfare, making it a significant example of how historical events and settings are represented in video games.
Valiant Hearts: Valiant Hearts is a puzzle-adventure video game developed by Ubisoft, set during World War I. The game tells the emotional story of four characters whose lives intertwine amidst the chaos of war, highlighting themes of love, sacrifice, and the human experience in the face of historical events.
Wolfenstein: Wolfenstein is a series of first-person shooter video games that centers around the character William 'B.J.' Blazkowicz, an American soldier fighting against the Nazis during World War II. The franchise is renowned for its influential gameplay mechanics and storytelling, incorporating political and social themes related to war, totalitarianism, and the consequences of oppression while also engaging with historical events and settings through its portrayal of Nazi Germany.
World War II: World War II was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations divided into two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis powers. This monumental war not only reshaped international relations and boundaries but also inspired a significant number of video games that explore its historical events and settings, creating a lasting impact on both culture and entertainment.