Special Issue, intended for International Journal of Heritage Studies (Taylor & Francis) edited by Xenia Zeiler and Suzie Thomas (University of Helsinki)
In this themed issue we explore the relationships between video games and the representation, interpretation, construction and creation of cultural heritage. Areas open to discussion and analysis can cover the whole spectrum of video games, from digital tools with educational content, augmented and virtual reality (VR and AR), mobile apps to various single or multiplayer gaming scenarios. As much as we define video games in a broad way, cultural heritage is also understood in broad, holistic terms, including intangible heritage, state-sanctioned heritage representations and so-called dissonant or ambivalent heritage.
We invite submissions that relate to this broad but targeted theme, including but not limited to papers that consider the following questions:
- What types of heritage identities, representations, constructions and/or applications are expressed in video games?
- Does heritage representation in video games affect public understandings and world views? How?
- How do video game developers interact with, draw upon or create cultural heritage in their work?
- How are heritage organizations and other memory institutions engaging with video games in their interactions with the public?
- What is the relationship between video games, cultural heritage and value systems?
We welcome submissions from different disciplinary backgrounds. Please submit a structured abstract of ca. 500 words, a 250 word bio and 3-5 keywords by 15th February 2019, to both editors, suzie.e.thomas_at_helsinki.fi and xenia.zeiler_at_helsinki.fi. Decisions will be made and authors notified by 15th March 2019.
Structured abstract and paper content:
- Definition of cultural heritage in the context of the proposed article
- Definition of video games in the context of the proposed article
- Theoretical framework(s)
- Research question(s)
- Method(s)
- Sample and/or material
- Conclusion and discussion