Games as Historical Immersion and Preservation: Creating Fun and Plausible Worlds for Players

April 30, 2026 - 14:20

At iicon 2026, Deborah Papiernik, SVP of New Business, made a compelling case for video games as a powerful tool for historical engagement. Rather than dry textbooks or passive documentaries, games offer a unique blend of immersion and interactivity that lets players step directly into the past.

Papiernik explained that the key lies in balancing historical accuracy with engaging gameplay. Developers must create worlds that feel plausible and lived-in, even if some creative liberties are taken for the sake of fun. This approach, she argued, sparks curiosity in a way traditional media often cannot. A player navigating a bustling ancient marketplace or witnessing a pivotal battle firsthand develops a personal connection to that era.

The talk also highlighted the growing collaboration between game studios and museums. These partnerships are mutually beneficial. Museums gain access to a younger, tech-savvy audience and a new way to present their collections, while developers receive expert guidance on artifacts, architecture, and social customs. This ensures the digital worlds are not just entertaining but also grounded in real scholarship.

A prime example of this philosophy is the Discovery Tour series. These educational modes strip away combat and objectives, allowing players to freely explore historically recreated environments. It is a direct translation of the "plausible world" concept into a learning tool, proving that games can preserve and share history without sacrificing the joy of discovery.