Beyond Entertainment: Games as Tools for Cultural Preservation
Stage 8 - Confex Level 2
Talk
~All~Arts, Animation & VFXCulture
Information
This speech explores how video games can be powerful tools for cultural preservation. Kevir Entertainment will discuss the role of games in historical storytelling, representation, and conservation, using examples like Assassin’s Creed, Ghost of Tsushima, and The Witcher.
The talk will also highlight Kevir’s own projects, and the challenges faced in this field, including Grandpa’s Eyrie, a VR experience capturing the essence of a traditional Kurdish lifestyle; Mythical Beings of Mesopotamia, an illustrated book and game project reviving ancient folklore; and a collaboration with Columbia University to digitally preserve the historic Amedi Gate.
Target Audiences
Our target audience includes game developers, indie studios, and VR/AR innovators interested in cultural themes and immersive experiences. We also aim to engage publishers and investors, as well as academics, researchers, and cultural institutions focused on digital heritage and storytelling. Additionally, journalists and content creators covering cultural narratives in gaming, along with government entities and NGOs supporting cultural preservation through digital media, are key audiences for this talk.
Experience Level
Expert
Key Take Aways
Video games are powerful tools for cultural preservation, offering engaging ways to showcase history, folklore, and traditions to global audiences. Industry examples like Assassin’s Creed, Ghost of Tsushima, and The Witcher demonstrate how games can bring cultural narratives to life. Kevir Entertainment contributes to this field with projects like Grandpa’s Eyrie, Mythical Beings of Mesopotamia, and digital preservation collaborations. The talk highlights the responsibility of developers in ethical storytelling and the role of emerging technologies like VR and photogrammetry in safeguarding heritage. It encourages collaboration between game studios, cultural institutions, and independent creators while engaging the audience in reflecting on what they’ve learned about different cultures through games.
Session Type
Talk
