Mobile game development has come a long way in recent years, and one of the key factors driving this progress is the incorporation of historical accuracy into game design. In an era where gamers crave immersive experiences that transport them to different eras and cultures, the importance of getting facts right cannot be overstated.
Historian Thierry Noël was living and working in Bolivia when Ubisoft approached him with a unique opportunity. They wanted his expertise to make their games more authentic, and he jumped at the chance. Today, Noël leads a team within Ubisoft, researching historical locations for their games. His work not only adds to a sense of wonder but also contributes to a growing interest in history.
A recent University of Sunshine Coast study revealed that players of historical games are often inspired to learn more about history after playing. This is no surprise, given the immersive nature of video games. Players want accuracy and research, and they enjoy learning about the history depicted in the game. As Dr. Jacqueline Burgess, the study's author, notes, "Video games and novels actually have a lot in common because the players wanted accuracy, they wanted research, they enjoyed learning about the history in the games, and then they went off and did some of their own learning outside of that play because of the history that the game showed them."
But achieving historical accuracy is no easy feat. Noël's team presents multiple settings for each new Assassin's Creed game, balancing academic knowledge with audience expectations. "An authentic world is based on historical academic knowledge, but it is also based on audience expectations, which is not necessarily what the academic person will say," he explains. "We have to find the right balance between the two."
Other game developers are following suit. Adam Isgreen and Emma Bridle from Age of Empires work hard to ensure that cultures are accurately represented in their games. They seek out professors of Islamic history, for example, when telling the story of the Crusades from a Muslim perspective. The team also monitors feedback from players and explains their decisions or adjusts the game to better represent real cultures.
In an era where mobile game development is more accessible than ever, the power of historical accuracy cannot be overstated. By incorporating expert historians and researchers into their teams, developers can create immersive experiences that transport players to different eras and cultures. As Noël notes, "I'm learning more about history every day, I'm learning a lot of things — it is great for a historian to do that kind of job."