History in Games

Where do we end up when we enter the time machine that is the digital game? One axiomatic truth of historical research is that the past is the time-space that eludes human intervention. Every account made of the past is therefore only an approximation. But how is it that strolling through ancient Alexandria can feel so real in the virtual world? Claims of authenticity are prominent in discussions surrounding the digital games of our time. What is historical authenticity and does it even matter? When does authenticity or the lack thereof become political? By answering these questions, the book illuminates the ubiquitous category of authenticity from the perspective of historical game studies.

Martin Lorber (M.A.) studied musicology, philosophy and anthropology at the University of Cologne. He is co-founder of the Clash of Realities conference and teaches at the University of Cologne. Felix Zimmermann received a scholarship from the a.r.t.e.s. Graduate School for the Humanities Cologne for his doctoral project on atmospheric experiences of the past in digital games. He is part of the research group 'Geschichtswissenschaft und Digitale Spiele' (Historical Science and Digital Games).