The Interactive Pasts Conference 2: Iain Donald and Emma Houghton
1Video presentation for the Interactive Pasts Conference 2, October 8-10 2018, Center for Sound and Vision.
Iain Donald (Abertay University, Scotland, UK)
Emma Houghton (Abertay University, Scotland, UK)
Their Memory: Exploring Veteran's Voices, Virtual Reality and Collective Memory
Their Memory explores how game design and immersive technology can be used to enhance existing historical research and expand narratives to bring rich expansive experiences to hard-to-reach audiences. Working with the Veteran’s Charity, Poppyscotland, and Game Development Company, Ruffian Games, the project aims to expand documentary and storytelling techniques for the commemoration of war and conflict. As both world wars have faded from living memory, how we engage with the existing historical narrative and remembrance activities of conflict is being shaped by generations that have little direct experience of war. However, the visual imagery of conflict is more accessible than at any previous period. From news and propaganda presented via print and screen media through to the virtual playgrounds of Battlefield and Call of Duty we are surrounded by war yet know little of its impact on those that served. The project is developing a short thought-provoking, narrative-driven prototype that will enable players to experience the memories of Scottish Veterans, exploring the different conflicts and situations they have experienced. Working with veterans and co-designing with the target audience the prototype aims to present authentic memories in Virtual Reality to create a greater sense of immersion. By experiencing events through their eyes, the player will walk away from the experience with a deeper understanding and sense of empathy. In bringing together cross-sector expertise to research how use immersive experiences the project will help memory-based organisations in engaging with wider audiences, raise awareness and diversify current learning outputs