A Medievalist's Guide to Crafting Modern Games: A Workshop

When: Wednesday 08 July, 19.00-21.00
Where: Michael Sadler Building: LG.15
Open to: IMC Delegates
Price: Free
How to Book: No Booking Required, Free of Charge

Directed by Sven Gins and Jeannette Loakman

The value of play in learning environments to promote intellectual development, creativity, and problem-solving has been well documented. This more playful approach to pedagogy does not abandon academic rigour but rather enriches the learning experience.

The workshop will explore how games can serve as valuable tools in medieval studies education, while also providing an opportunity to exchange ideas on serious game development as a form of scholarly research and public engagement. After a brief introduction, participants will have a chance to play two games created by the hosts, Monstrum and Hwaet! (Hoard Haul), followed by a discussion.

Hwaet! introduces students to the narrative of Beowulf, kennings, Old English, Viking hoards, and monsters.

'Steal treasure, kill monsters, (maybe) win the game!'

In Monstrum, players cooperatively explore the medieval animal kingdom - including human species - from an ecocentric perspective. How did humans relate to real and imagined animals in the Middle Ages? What insights does this heritage offer for present challenges such as biodiversity decline?

This session is sponsored by the Medieval Animal Data-Network (MAD), Central European University, Budapest/Wien and the Middle Ages in Modern Games.

This workshop will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Please arrive promptly to secure a place as there is limited capacity.

Cards from Hwaet!