Simulated History as Life's Teacher : Investigating the potential for historical simulation games to nurture historical consciousness

Abstract: This paper explores the potential of historical simulation games to nurture historical consciousness. Merging the subject of history and game studies, the material analyzed is the digital game Crusader Kings 2 as well as player created narratives spawned from it. The paper uses a mixed method from game study and history didactics, and theories of historical consciousness to interpret the material. The study shows that the potential to develop historical consciousness do exist in the historical simulation game, and that the narratives that players create from play contain signs of historical consciousness. The study opens up the field for future case studies where the development of historical consciousness through historical simulation can be tested in a formal school setting.