Field Notes (1): The Historical Games Network
The Historical Games Network
Field Notes: Highlights digital tools, articles, books, and resources for historiographical video game design and production.
The Historical Games Network (HGN) unites historians, game developers, and cultural workers interested in the intersection of history and video games. Co-founded by Adam Chapman, a trailblazer in historical game studies, HGN aims to integrate historical narratives into games with academic rigor and ethical consideration.
Contributors to HGN explore compelling topics such as player interactions with historical games, underlying technologies, gender representation, medievalism, historical accuracy, and collective memory. These discussions enhance the historical depth of gaming.
HGN facilitates interdisciplinary dialogue through moderated forums and quarterly events. These platforms enable productive exchanges between historians and game developers. The network also addresses complex issues like postcolonialism and environmental history, contributing to more nuanced historical narratives in games.
By connecting academic and gaming communities, HGN demonstrates the potential of video games as tools for historical education and public engagement. Those interested in history, games, or their combination are encouraged to explore the HGN website and join the conversation.
Convenors
Adam Chapman: Independent scholar, author of Digital Games as History. Contact: @Woodlandstaar
Esther Wright: Senior Lecturer at Cardiff University, focuses on video game paratexts and U.S. history in games. Contact: @EstherWrigh_
Iain Donald: Lecturer at Edinburgh Napier University, explores games, digital media, and history. Contact: @laddoni
Nick Webber: Associate Professor at Birmingham City University, researches video games, cultural history, and identity. Contact: @DoktorNick
Support
British DiGRA (BDiGRA) is the UK chapter of the Digital Games Research Association, which promotes networking and educational standards in digital games research. Visit bdigra.org.uk for more information.
Policies
HGN upholds a commitment to diversity and inclusivity, adopting the British DiGRA safer space policy to enhance inclusivity in events and online activities. Contributors retain copyright for their work, but HGN has first-use rights. Full policy details are available on the HGN website.
For more information, visit Historical Games Network.