Format: Paper presentations with discussion
Convenors:
Dr Heather Christie, ArchaeoPlays, Glasgow, Scotland, archaeoplays@gmail.com
Andrew Prentice, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia, andrew.prentice@griffithuni.edu.au
Dr Guy Schofield, University of York, guy.schofield@york.ac.uk
Michelle Low-Shamir, University of Birmingham, external in Malaysia, mhl306@student.bham.ac.uk
Archaeogaming, the integration of archaeology and gaming, offers a novel approach, engaging both the public and professionals in interactive explorations of the past. This session will explore how archaeogames are utilised for storytelling and interpretation of archaeological data. As an interdisciplinary field, archaeogaming engages a diverse audience, including archaeologists, game designers, heritage professionals, educators, and digital media scholars. This intersection of gaming, storytelling, and archaeology is of interest to those involved in public outreach and engagement through digital platforms, including students and early-career researchers.
The session will feature 5–6 paper presentations, each lasting 20 minutes, with up to 10 minutes of discussion following each. We invite papers exploring the use of games to interpret historical and archaeological data, papers discussing the implications of digital reconstructions for research and public engagement and papers addressing games as archaeological sites or texts. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to present or discuss notable archaeogaming projects, and share technical workflows and insights from practice, contributing to a more practical understanding of the field. After the presentations, we will hold a 30-minute roundtable discussion on the challenges of archaeogaming, addressing ethical considerations, player agency, and the potential for games to shape public understanding of archaeology.
This session aims to explore how games can transform the practice of archaeology, providing new modes of storytelling and interpretation. As digital platforms become more sophisticated, they offer unprecedented opportunities to represent and engage with the past in immersive and interactive ways. By bringing together scholars from diverse fields—archaeology, game studies, digital humanities, and public outreach—we aim to foster a critical dialogue about how games can influence our understanding of history and cultural heritage.
· The Role of Storytelling in Archaeogaming
· Virtual Archaeology and Interpretation
· Games as Public Archaeology
· Ethical Considerations in Archaeogaming
· Player Agency and Archaeological Interpretation
· Archaeogaming and Communities