Where do we end up when we enter the time machine that is the digital game? One axiomatic truth of historical research is that the past is the time-space that eludes human intervention. Every account made of the past is therefore only an approximation. But how is it that strolling through ancient Alexandria can feel so real in the virtual world? Claims of authenticity are prominent in discussions surrounding the digital games of our time. What is historical authenticity and does it even matter? When does authenticity or the lack thereof become political? By answering these questions, the book illuminates the ubiquitous category of authenticity from the perspective of historical game studies.
Price: $40.00
Pages: 284
Publisher: transcript publishing
Imprint: transcript publishing
Publication Date:
27 October 2020
Trim Size: 8.86 X 5.83 in
ISBN: 9783837654202
Format: Paperback
BISACs:
SOCIAL SCIENCE / Media Studies, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Popular Culture, ART / Film & Video
»Als Gesamtwerk führt [das Buch] alle derzeit diskutierten Aspekte des Themas Authentizität von historischen Inhalten in digitalen Spielen übersichtlich zusammen.«
Martin Lorber (M.A.) studied musicology, philosophy and anthropology at the University of Cologne. He is co-founder of the Clash of Realities conference and teaches at the University of Cologne.
Frontmatter 1
Table of Contents 5
Preface and Acknowledgments 7
Introduction 9
Quarry - Playground - Brand 25
Why History in Digital Games matters 47
Social Practices of History in Digital Possibility Spaces 73
Tracing the Past with Digital Games 93
History in Video Games and the Craze for the Authentic 117
Crusading Icons 137
The Auteur and the 80s Mixtape 157
Queer Authenticity in the History of Games 179
"If it's a fantasy world, why bother trying to make it realistic?" Constructing and Debating the Middle Ages of THE WITCHER 3: WILD HUNT 201
How to Get Away with Colonialism 221
Toying with History 237
You Do Have Responsibility! 259
Contributors 277
