Gamifying archives, a study of docugames as a preservation medium

Abstract

This paper introduces a novel concept in the use of game technology and education. Instead of employing gaming technology to create entertaining fictions or develop practical training environments, this paper introduces the concept and demonstrates the practical benefits of docugames for preservation. A docugame for preservation is a simulation that incorporates historical or culturally relevant artifacts to offer multiple perspectives on an historical or culturally relevant experience. Current trends in the growth of games, lowering production costs, and an increase in global collaborative production models have supported opportunities to employ games as a medium for preservation. As such, docugames for preservation demonstrate the promise of offering a 21st century educational experience for future learners. This research provides an analysis of existing docugames, overview of gamification principles and heuristics for improving the potential of docugames as a preservation medium. © 2011 IEEE.