How can we capture the attention of a broad audience, especially younger generations, and make history relevant in today’s tech-driven world? The MEMENTOES project seeks to connect historical lessons with modern audiences using ubiquitous technology: video games. MEMENTOES brings together museum experts and game developers to create immersive gaming experiences that transport players to the past. By focusing on historical injustices and prompting reflection on contemporary issues, the project aims to educate users in an engaging and impactful way.
Empathy as the Core of Understanding
The MEMENTOES project began in 2023, and connects museums focused on historical injustices, research institutes, and independent game developers to create investigative educational games for all generations. The first game addresses the horrors of the Gulag; the second focuses on a mining disaster that occurred in 1956 in the Belgian city of Marcinelle; and the third is dedicated to the experiences and impact of wars on children. Each game allows users to immerse themselves in the lives of ordinary individuals affected by these events, fostering empathy and influencing attitudes toward crucial socio-historical issues.
Together, War Childhood Museum and Charles Games Studio from Prague are crafting a game exploring the impact of wars on children, tentatively titled “Toys.” This game draws inspiration from testimonies of individuals who grew up in various conflicts, which are preserved in WCM archive.
The game’s learning goals are intricately intertwined with the museum’s objectives, emphasizing the cultivation of empathy among players through personal narratives. We hope that players, by being in the shoes of a child who experienced war, will have an increased empathy towards their experiences. By leveraging authentic and relatable storytelling, we aim to foster a deep connection between players and the characters depicted, facilitating an understanding of war’s multifaceted impacts on children. It is crucial to emphasize that we are committed to portraying such experiences sensitively and respectfully, which is also consistent with our approach in our exhibitions and our broader work.
Fernanda Flores, War Childhood Museum
Flores particularly pointed out that the game ‘Toys’ portrays children not only as victims of war but also as individuals with agency who are resilient and creative.
Video Gaming as a Tool in Peace Education
The project is halfway to its final implementation, and all three games are in alpha (demo) versions. “Toys” will feature a total of 25 vignettes based on the War Childhood Museum’s collection. However, despite being inspired by the museum’s exhibits and testimonies, the characters and the storyline in the game are fictional.
Three out of the 25 vignettes are already playable.
The game is envisioned to be also played in an educational setting. Leveraging the game’s modularity, educators will have the flexibility to tailor the gaming experience to suit their unique time constraints and the specific topics they wish to address in their classes. Our objective is to ensure that students can maximally benefit from the game within the educational sphere.
Fernanda Flores, War Childhood Museum
The fact that this is a pioneering project and an innovative tool for learning about peace and justice worldwide is evidenced by the words of one of the game creators from Charles Games Studio, Lukáš Kolek:
We will use the game mechanic of perspective-taking, which will allow players to explore the depicted historical events from the points of view of different actors impacted by the event(s). Based on the provided materials, players can form their own picture of what happened. Existing research suggests that this will lead players to develop a critical understanding of the past and better understand the motivations and actions of people who experienced it. Beyond that, the format has the potential to promote peace-building actions and their profound significance.
Lukáš Kolek, Charles Games Studio
All three games will be finalized and available to users by the end of 2025 when the project concludes.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
