How has America been depicted in videogames?
Dr John Wills, University of Kent
Wander through our beautiful building to view 15 exhibits consisting of text panels, interactive elements and audio-visual displays created by the academics we fund. Meet our researchers, find out more about their projects and take part in hands-on activities.
John Wills's exhibit explores videogame depictions of the frontier and urban west
Playing Cowboys and Criminals: Videogame Depictions of the Frontier and Urban West
John Wills’s research explores depictions of America in popular videogames from the 1970s onwards, focusing on ‘Wild West’ titles such as The Oregon Trail (1971), an educational adventure used to teach the history of the frontier, as well as games based on the modern American city, such as LA Noire (2011).
Dr John Wills is a Reader in American History and Culture at the University of Kent
Research Award: British Academy / Leverhulme Small Research Grant 2016
Showcase opening times: Friday 22-Saturday 23 June,11am - 5pm
Late-night view: Friday 22nd June, 6.30-9pm
How Far Cry 5’s depiction of a conflicted nation is subtler than you thought
An interactive timeline of American life depicted in video games
Floor Plan:
You'll find this exhibit at Point 5 in the No.11 Reception on the Ground Floor. Download our programme to plan your visit.
