History Simulation for Teaching Early Modern British History

FAIN: HD-51230-11

University of South Carolina Research Foundation (Columbia, SC 29208-0001)
Duncan A. Buell (Project Director: October 2010 to August 2013)

The development for classroom use of a prototype game-based simulation for exploring the social conditions of 17th-century Britain.

This grant will innovate the humanities by means of serious gaming. First, we will continue development of Desperate Fishwives (DF), a cooperative game based on early modern British history. Beyond this first-phase development effort for a single game for history, DF will serve as a prototype for a simplified game development front-end for the humanities. The broader goal, beyond development of one game, is to provide humanities scholars (frequently unacquainted with programming) a tool model that facilitates making games for the humanities, including but not limited to history games, games based in literature, and virtual tours of cultural or historical sites. Our second phase plans are the development of this innovative tool and technology framework, complete with accompanying documentation, for other humanities scholars to create games in their own areas. We will then publicize and make available the tool and documentation for others to use.

Media Coverage

Computer game explores 17th-century village life (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Chris Horn
Publication: U of South Carolina online news
Date: 9/9/2011
Abstract: Online story about a history game under development.
URL: http://www.sc.edu/news/newsarticle.php?nid=1901

*Desperate Fishwives* Players Navigate 17th Century English Village Life (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Craig Brandhorst
Publication: *Free Times*, Columbia SC weekly newspaper
Date: 9/28/2011
Abstract: Newspaper article about the history game being developed with NEH funding.
URL: http://www.free-times.com/index.php?cat=1992912064025693&ShowArticle_ID=11012709110837472