Can we build it? Using experimental prototyping and iterative development for historical game design

Hiriart, JFV

Abstract

The experimental development of game prototypes has been gaining attention in academic circles as a valid research method to understand this medium and its potential for historical representation and learning. In spite that in recent years advances in game development technology have considerably lowered the technical skills and economic resources necessary to produce games, still most of the research done in this field concentrates in analysing existent games titles with a varied degree of historical focus. This study follows an action-research methodology, relying on the experimental development and critical analysis of a series of game prototypes designed to test the validity of design hypothesis for historical game-based learning environments. Although still in process, the project has permitted to draw interesting connections between historical epistemologies, educational theory, and game design, which could lead to general principles for the generation of better game-mediated historical experiences.

Citation

Hiriart, J. (2016, August). Can we build it? Using experimental prototyping and iterative development for historical game design. Presented at DIGRA and FDG First Joint International Conference, Dundee, Scotland

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: DIGRA and FDG First Joint International Conference
• Conference Location: Dundee, Scotland
• Start Date: Aug 1, 2016
• End Date: Aug 6, 2016
• Publication Date: Aug 1, 2016
• Deposit Date: Sep 20, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 20, 2018
• Publisher URL: http://www.digra.org/digital-library/forums/2016-playingwithhistoryworkshop/
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference