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IMC 2021: Sessions

Session 1012: The Middle Ages in Modern Games, I: Playing Religion and Spirituality

Wednesday 7 July 2021, 09.00-10.30

Sponsor:The Public Medievalist / Centre for Medieval & Renaissance Research, University of Winchester
Organiser:Robert Houghton, Department of History, University of Winchester
Moderator/Chair:Robert Houghton, Department of History, University of Winchester
Paper 1012-aUnicorn Symbolism in The Witcher Story World
(Language: English)
Lena van Beek, Fakultät für Geisteswissenschaften Universität Hamburg
Index terms: Computing in Medieval Studies, Medievalism and Antiquarianism
Paper 1012-bThe High Heavens, the Deep Oceans: Architecture and Spirituality in Abzû, 2017
(Language: English)
Laura Castro Royo, School of Art History / School of Modern Languages, University of St Andrews
Index terms: Architecture - Religious, Computing in Medieval Studies, Medievalism and Antiquarianism
Paper 1012-cA Tourist in Hell: Environmental Reconstruction in Dante's Inferno
(Language: English)
Juan Manuel Rubio, Independent Scholar, Bogotá
Index terms: Computing in Medieval Studies, Medievalism and Antiquarianism, Theology
Abstract

Religion was undeniably a central issue in the world and society of the Middle Ages: sacral matters influenced almost every facet of historical change across the period. However, the representation of religious and spiritual matters within modern games is typically stunted or superficial. This is true of games addressing almost any period or theme but is particularly noticeable within games which concern the Middle Ages or which employ medieval elements. The papers of this session explore the ways in which a series of games employ medieval and medievalist imagery and tropes to develop their world, architecture, and geography.