While the study of computer games history slowly gathers speed, there is much to be gained from drawing more historical threads together. Games did not suddenly appear with SpaceWar and Pong, they have a history as long as human culture itself, and it is would be parochial and unprofessional of any historian to study computer games in isolation from what came before. From this perspective, the advent of video games represents a form of continuity just as much as a moment of rupture; how, then, might we understand games in a broader, historical context?
We invite proposals on the history of games at large, including games from any historical period and geographical location. We particularly invite papers focussing on the analysis of games and game traditions, and how these gameworks and traditions span the so-called digital divide. The conference seeks original submissions from researchers interested in diverse areas of historical study including, but not limited to: social history, military history, cultural history, memory studies, sensory history, history of technology, history of play and games, history of computing, art history, material culture, historical archaeology, as well as historical preservation, library and information science, and museum studies.
Proposals should be minimum 700 and no longer than 1500 words in length (plus references) and submitted via Easychair. Deadline for submissions: May 14th. 2018 PST. EDIT: The paper submision is now CLOSED.
We also invite workshop proposals (1000-2000 words, including short bios of the proposers). These can be open calls for participation (max 12 participants each due to room size) administered by the proposer, or already filled, and will take place on the day preceding the conference (15th August). Acceptance depends on relevance,quality, and space. Please mail workshop proposals directly to Dr. Rune K. L. Nielsen rkln@itu.dk by May 15th.
The International Conference on the History of Games is dedicated to the ongoing research on the history of games in all its shapes. It brings together many researchers working in such disciplines as media archeology, preservation, museology and the formatting of history, as well as industry professionals.
Program Chair:
Rune Kristian Lundedal Nielsen, ITU
rkln@itu.dk
Conference Chair:
Ida Kathrine Hammleff Jørgensend, ITU
ihjo@itu.dk
