Abstract
In this paper we discuss the possible use of video games on current events as
historical documents. The literature on current event games reveals the importance of timelines and temporariness in their nature and the literature on games about historical events and periods is mainly concerned how games represent the past. We question how timely games may be seen by future players and what they may reveal about the period in which they were produced. In this regard we did a comparative analysis of video games developed during the Gezi Park protest in 2013 and after the Coup attempt in 2016 in Turkey. We argue that these games not only individually represent their creators’ perception and thoughts on these events but also cumulatively reflect the social and political conditions in which they were produced; akin to historical political cartoons and opinion pieces reflecting the zeitgeist of their time of production; thus, may be seen as historical documents.
historical documents. The literature on current event games reveals the importance of timelines and temporariness in their nature and the literature on games about historical events and periods is mainly concerned how games represent the past. We question how timely games may be seen by future players and what they may reveal about the period in which they were produced. In this regard we did a comparative analysis of video games developed during the Gezi Park protest in 2013 and after the Coup attempt in 2016 in Turkey. We argue that these games not only individually represent their creators’ perception and thoughts on these events but also cumulatively reflect the social and political conditions in which they were produced; akin to historical political cartoons and opinion pieces reflecting the zeitgeist of their time of production; thus, may be seen as historical documents.
| Original language | English |
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| Number of pages | 3 |
| Publication status | Published - Jul 2018 |
| Event | DiGRA 2018 Conference of the Digital Games Research Association: The Game is the Message - Università di Torino, Turin, Italy Duration: 25 Jul 2018 → 28 Jul 2018 http://www.digra.org/ |
Conference
| Conference | DiGRA 2018 Conference of the Digital Games Research Association |
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| Abbreviated title | DiGRA |
| Country/Territory | Italy |
| City | Turin |
| Period | 25/07/18 → 28/07/18 |
| Internet address |