A new video game lets you play out the battle at Gallipoli. Is it trivialising the tragedy of war?
Historical games let us engage with the past, but what matters is how they frame this history, and what they ask players to do.
BlackMill Games' Gallipoli: Ottoman Fronts video game has sparked debate about whether it trivializes the tragedy of war. The game, which allows players to fight on both sides of the conflict, has some Australians questioning whether this historical event should be turned into a playable experience. Gallipoli holds significant importance in Australian culture, so the idea of playing out this history may feel unusual.
However, games often explore tragic historical events through books, films, and TV shows, so why does a video game feel different?
The key difference lies in the word "play." When we read a book or watch a film about a historical event, we're presented with someone else's version of what happened. But games ask us to participate and act within its imaginary boundaries. This distinction makes Gallipoli: Ottoman Fronts an interesting case study. The game consulted a first world war historian and offers players the opportunity to experience the conflict from both the British Empire and Ottoman Empire perspectives. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the event.
While there is no definitive answer on whether games can change how we see the past, research does show that they can provide unique opportunities for engagement with history. Games like Assassin's Creed have even been reported to create a stronger connection to people from the past and a greater awareness of multiple perspectives on history. However, it's essential to ensure that games are developed with historical accuracy, respect, and consideration for the communities affected by the event.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
