Permalife Of The Archive: Archaeogaming As Queergaming (2405.05411v1)

Abstract: Archaeogaming and queer games studies have both grown as paradigms in the last decade. The former broadly refers to the archaeological study of games, while the later concerns the application of queer theory to the medium. To date, there has been limited engagement of archaeogamers with queer games scholarship, and vice versa. This article argues that there are epistomological parallels between the two; as they are both concerned with the limits and ethics of representation, the personal and political contexts of game development and engagement with video games through transgressive play. The paper is structured around an extended literature review and three vignettes that reflect on the author's personal experience of conducting archaeogaming research, an ethnographic study of Wurm Online, an archaeological survey of Elden Ring and a player study of the generative archaeology game Nothing Beside Remains. While archaeogaming can learn from the centring of subjective lived experience and labour in the queer games sphere, archaeogaming as a form of game preservation can also benefit queer games studies.

• The paper reveals how integrating archaeogaming and queergaming transforms video games into dynamic cultural archives.
• It employs innovative methods, including archaeological surveys and queer narrative analysis, to evaluate game inclusivity and heritage representation.
• The study underscores ethical challenges and advocates for gaming as a tool to educate and reshape cultural perceptions.

Exploring the Intersection of Archaeogaming and Queergaming

Introduction to Archaeogaming and Queergaming

Imagine two relatively niche fields within game studies: archaeogaming and queergaming. Archaeogaming, since its conceptual inception around 2013, primarily revolves around the paper of how video games represent and preserve heritage. It looks at games both as archaeological sites and as mediums capable of conveying archival narratives. On the other hand, queergaming focuses on the application of queer theory to games, examining how these digital spaces challenge or conform to normative societal frameworks.

Despite their distinct beginnings and themes, both fields share a fundamental interest in the politics of representation, the experiential aspects of game interaction, and the use of games as spaces of transgressive play. Yet, there's been limited crossover between the two until more recently.

Key Themes and Perspectives

The interplay of archaeogaming and queergaming raises fascinating questions about representation within digital realms. For instance, games often display historical or cultural narratives through lenses affected by current-day biases - a phenomenon not too different from the marginalization seen in misrepresentations or omissions of queer identities in gaming.

Ethical Considerations in Game Narratives

The ethical portrayal of cultures and identities in games, an issue highlighted by both fields, often is mishandled. Games like Lara Croft or series such as Assassin's Creed often fall into traps of cultural essentialism or objectification while attempting to portray complex histories or identities.

Game Development as a Cultural Reflection

The development process itself reflects and perpetuates the ideologies of developers, which can either challenge or reinforce existing societal norms. Discussion around game development tools, like Twine — a favorite among independent queer developers for its simplicity and focus on narrative — illustrates how technology choice can influence the inclusivity and accessibility of game creation.

Methodologies in Archaeogaming and Queergaming

Both fields utilize unique methodologies that, despite their initial differences, align in their radical critique of traditional game mechanics and narratives. For instance, queer game studies often challenge the very constructs of win/loss conditions in games, arguing for a view of games as spaces of experience rather than simple, objective-based entertainments. Meanwhile, archaeogamers might apply traditional archaeological survey techniques to digital spaces, offering a critical lens on how these environments and their histories are constructed and maintained.

Moreover, both approaches emphasize the importance of personal and community narratives within games. This is seen in the exploration of player interactions in MMOs (Massively Multiplayer Online games) or how players leave traces of their passage and interactions in shared game spaces, such as in Elden Ring.

Implications and Future Directions

The fusion of archaeogaming and queergaming could redefine our perception of games as static entertainment mediums. By viewing games as living archives and spaces of nuanced personal expression, we can better appreciate their role as cultural artifacts that are both influenced by and influential upon the societies that engage with them.

Looking forward, this nascent intersection could prompt game designers and scholars alike to consider more deeply the implications of their work, not just in terms of game mechanics or narrative designs but as potent reflections of and on cultural, social, and ethical dimensions. As these fields continue to evolve, the potential for richer, more inclusive gaming experiences grows, offering a future where games not only entertain but educate, engage, and inspire on levels previously unimagined.

In conclusion, while initially disparate, the convergence of archaeogaming and queergaming illuminates the profound potential of games to act as mirrors and molders of cultural and personal identity. This exploration not only expands the academic horizons of game studies but also enhances the relevance and depth of gaming as a fundamental human activity. Through continued dialogue and research, we may find that the realms of archaeogaming and queergaming, rather than being separate entities, are deeply interwoven with the fabric of gaming history and culture.