World creation in games has long required that game makers and players think like historians. Historical games are often simulations that model structure and agency as mechanics. They navigate a tightrope between demonstrable truth and perceived authenticity, and even ask players to experiment with counterfactuals. In short, historical games are promising playgrounds for both history and historical memory. And increasingly, instructors and students are bringing information, and questions, from their historical gaming into the classroom.

This panel brings together three different ways of using games to teach medieval history in the classroom: video games, roleplaying games, and games of the period. The session is part of a series aiming to bring together historians around the topics of game play, criticism, and design, exploring the possibilities for historical research and teaching. Questions we will explore include: How can scholars use games to further their research and outreach? How can educators use gameplay and game design to improve student learning outcomes and experiences? What are the ethics of representing history through gameplay?

Out-of-the-box simulations like those offered by Reacting to the Past have new appeal in an age of AI. Meanwhile digital tools such as Twine and Unreal offer easy entry into the world of independent video game design. By bringing together innovative scholars using these approaches and more, we will link discussion to the opportunities and limitations of the current moment. Presenters will both demonstrate their experience and critically reflect upon its potential for the discipline more widely.