Click image to view the SAA Special Issue in which this research appeared
Click image to go to the the second of the special issues on games and archaeology

VALUE's very first research project

The thrill of discovery and exploration combined with the opportunity to re-live the past is something that appeals both on an instinctive and emotional level. Video games have played into this desire in several ways. As with many instances of popular media appropriation of specialized fields, archaeologists are critical of how their discipline, as well as past places, people and cultures, are portrayed. However, as also argued by other contributors in this special forum, we feel that archaeology and video games can be combined in ways that have a positive impact on society, education and research. This is why, early in 2015, we founded the research group VALUE: Videogames and Archaeology at Leiden UnivErsity. Even if video games are not on the radar as a serious research subject, this does not mean that there is no interest in the topic among individuals. Therefore, one of the first projects we undertook was a survey which charted the interest in and appreciation of games that incorporate archaeological and historical themes among students and professionals.

Download the Survey Form here

We are always looking for people who want to collaborate on research on the interactive past as well as willing to function as reviewers for drafts or manuscripts for either authors and journal editors. Get in touch with us via info[at]value-foundation.org