WHAT does the future of computer games look like? Medieval Aberdeen of course – or so a university hopes.
Researchers in Aberdeen are exploring ways in which the city's Burgh Records, which date back to 1398, could provide a "new visions" for digital developers.
The Unesco-recognised registers run until 1511 and, according to Aberdeen University, are "one of the great reservoirs of historical knowledge on urban and regional life anywhere in northern Europe".
Led by historian Dr William Hepburn, the Playing in the Archives project will see experts examine new ways to use the documents, working alongside video game experts.
Hepburn said: “The influence of the medieval period more than almost any other period in time can be seen in the gaming world. Its close relationship to Lord of the Rings has been formative in fantasy fiction and that in turn has influenced digital media.
“You can see the impact of the medieval theme in character development and game aesthetics, even when they are not directly based in this era. Here in Aberdeen we have a truly magnificent resource documenting medieval life and so I am delighted to be working to see what this treasure of our city can offer the wider world of game development.”
He went on: “Aberdeen’s medieval records are filled with detail about buildings, tools, foodstuffs, animals and more. They reveal interesting details about the interaction of humans and animals in the day-to-day life of the town. Local laws were made to prevent pigs running loose on the streets and the town government employed pig catchers. This is the kind of detail that features in the many rich worlds games offer for players to explore.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here