The Middle Ages In Computer Games: Ludic Approaches to the Medieval and Medievalism
By Robert Houghton
D.S. Brewer
ISBN: 978 1 84384 729 8
Many people first encounter the Middle Ages through video games. This book examines how these games incorporate familiar medieval tropes while simultaneously shaping new perceptions of the past.
Excerpt:
We need to talk about the Middle Ages in computer games. Medievalist games reach a massive and growing audience and can have a profound impact on their players’ understanding of the period and on their conception of modern society. As such, we need to talk about how games represent the medieval period, particularly as we look to the format increasingly for teaching and even scholarship. Certainly, there are similarities between the representations present within games and within medievalist media more generally, but these similarities are frequently eclipsed by fundamental differences of representation and engagement. Ludic medievalism – the engagement with Middle Ages through computer games – presents a different and distinct vision from other medievalist media. We need to identify these trends, not simply for the sake of pedantry over historical accuracy but to comprehend the representations that their players receive. Moreover, we need to understand the factors that drive the production and reproduction of particular and peculiar images of the medieval period within games. Ultimately, we need to talk about how medievalists games are influenced by the trend within historical games and within other medievalist media, but nevertheless create a new and unique version of the period.
Who is this book for?
This book is a must-read for both medievalists and gamers. It delves into a wide range of topics—including combat, religion, technology, and race—revealing how they are woven into games in often unexpected ways. Its appeal extends beyond fans of medievalism, offering valuable insights for anyone interested in learning or teaching about the Middle Ages and its influence on modern culture.
The Author
Robert Houghton is Senior Lecturer at the University of Winchester, where his research focuses on medieval Italy, the Investiture Contest and gaming and the Middle Ages. You can follow Robert on Bluesky or X/Twitter.
My book, The Middle Ages in Computer Games, is out on 5 November. It's almost certainly the most extensive consideration of the theme to date touching on games from Age of Conan to Zork. The digital version is £20 and you can get a 35% discount with code BB35 on boydellandbrewer.com/978184384729…
The Middle Ages In Computer Games: Ludic Approaches to the Medieval and Medievalism
By Robert Houghton
D.S. Brewer
ISBN: 978 1 84384 729 8
Many people first encounter the Middle Ages through video games. This book examines how these games incorporate familiar medieval tropes while simultaneously shaping new perceptions of the past.
Excerpt:
We need to talk about the Middle Ages in computer games. Medievalist games reach a massive and growing audience and can have a profound impact on their players’ understanding of the period and on their conception of modern society. As such, we need to talk about how games represent the medieval period, particularly as we look to the format increasingly for teaching and even scholarship. Certainly, there are similarities between the representations present within games and within medievalist media more generally, but these similarities are frequently eclipsed by fundamental differences of representation and engagement. Ludic medievalism – the engagement with Middle Ages through computer games – presents a different and distinct vision from other medievalist media. We need to identify these trends, not simply for the sake of pedantry over historical accuracy but to comprehend the representations that their players receive. Moreover, we need to understand the factors that drive the production and reproduction of particular and peculiar images of the medieval period within games. Ultimately, we need to talk about how medievalists games are influenced by the trend within historical games and within other medievalist media, but nevertheless create a new and unique version of the period.
Who is this book for?
This book is a must-read for both medievalists and gamers. It delves into a wide range of topics—including combat, religion, technology, and race—revealing how they are woven into games in often unexpected ways. Its appeal extends beyond fans of medievalism, offering valuable insights for anyone interested in learning or teaching about the Middle Ages and its influence on modern culture.
The Author
Robert Houghton is Senior Lecturer at the University of Winchester, where his research focuses on medieval Italy, the Investiture Contest and gaming and the Middle Ages. You can follow Robert on Bluesky or X/Twitter.
You can learn more about this book from the publisher’s website.
You can buy this book on Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk
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