Libraries, Archives and Special Collections in Games
My Favourite game libraries, special collections, archives, museums, and galleries
I adore games that introduce familiar elements and spaces not just as a background or space filler but as a genuine aspect of a game that sand independently as engageable and important elements. The inclusion of libraries, special collections, archives, museums, galleries, or a combination of these elements is something that I always really enjoy, weather this be through direct programming from the game creators or user intervention or manipulation.
6. British library simular
This interactive game created specifically to give the experience of visiting the British library when the pandemic made it unsafe to do so is an interesting experiential short game. While there are not a wide variety of opportunities to read books in the game you can engage with staff, other patrons, and signage to impart information and facts about what is held in the library. Weather you have been to the British library before or not I highly recommend this play in browser game.
5. The stardew valley library and museum
A simple space with no area waisted and every aspect a key feature of the game, the element of developing with the player as they explore and grow, for me, make this a truly amazing addition to the game and a fantastic way to learn but also revisit knowledge. Being dyslexic having the opportunity to read at my own pace and reread information when I choose, provided it is within the library/museum opening hours is such an amazing gift that make this game and the library just that little bit more acceptable.
4. Microsoft My Personal Tutor: Reading Railway
As a child my I had a range of educational games which I was allowed to play during weekdays in term time, this, one of the earliest that I played was very useful in helping me to develop my literacy skills. Now not a library or special collection in the conventional sense but, I think, a forward thinking and engaging literary world of stories, songs and linguistical learning. I had to include this on the list as I found this to be a diverse and interesting use of game mechanics to create an educational game which, though sadly lost to the technology graveyard in terms of playability is still ever present in images and videos online.
3. Uncensored mincraft Library
As well as being quite a politically motivated project this library couples informative journalism for public consumption with a the most intricately beautiful architecture that Minecraft can produce. It is both an enjoyable space to behold and explore as well as being informative and rich in knowledge. Also, a wonderful example of how glorious collaboration can be and the wonderful and important things that can be produce because of them.
2. Reading Simulator
Literary designed to facilitate reading in a library this simulator, it features many classic books for you to peruse. In a way it is like an immersive e-reader/kindle which is an interesting format but though reviews have been mixed I rather enjoy it though I wish there were more accessibility feature but for the length and price of the game I can accept that these elements may have been challenging to add on a budget for a free to play game.
1. A Museum of Dubious Splendors
Now this game at first glance is somewhat ethereal and dreamlike but upon further exploration, and some background reading is a fascinating and unique reflection on colonialism, culture, and object ontologies. Described as a
“A quiet game about prosaic objects and spurious histories, it is an irreverent rumination on the nature of an archive and forms of recollection.”
on steam. A glorious experience and my personal number one because of all the cultural and historical representation I feel this one utilises the imaginative creative mechanics that games can create best to create a unique informative and reflective experience, that will be unique to each player. It is in its own way a narrative experience telling many stories folded into one story through its objects and spaces, just as in a physical archive but immersing you like only a playable experience can do.
Now these are not the only examples in the gaming world, there are probably quite a few I have missed because they do not appeal to me, I have forgotten them or have not had the pleasure of hearing about them or playing them yet. I avoided many of the classic museum or repair orientated games as what I love most is to see object in their natural state, showing their age, experiences, tarnish, or wear.
Please do tell me about any games you of this type you really liked I would love to explore more, and I will try them.
Refferences
- Microsoft My Personal Tutor [Redmond, WA] : Microsoft Corp., ©1997.
- My personal Tutor Reader Railway by Professor Presto 5 Feb 2019 <https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=s59IKsb2wqM&feature=emb_logo>[Accessed 28/07/22]
- Boerstra, J., Toivonen, M., Bergensten, J. and Persson, M., 2011. Minecraft. [Platforms] Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Raspberry Pi, Universal Windows Platform, Wii U, Nintendo Switch, Apple TV ,Mojang, Microsoft Studios, Sony Computer Entertainment.
- This Minecraft library is making censored journalism accessible all over the world — The Verge <https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/18/21184041/minecraft-library-censored-journalism-reporters-without-borders> [Accessed 21/07/22]
- Barone, E., 2016. Stardew Valley. [Platform] PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS],, ConcernedApe, Chucklefish Games.
- The British Library Simulator by GiuliaC (itch.io) by GiuliaC <https://giuliac.itch.io/the-british-library-simulator>[Accessed 28/07/22]
- Reading Simulator on Steam (steampowered.com) <https://store.steampowered.com/app/769690/Reading_Simulator/>[Accessed 28/07/22]
