Oblitus Artium

Abstract:Oblitus Artium, funded by the Natioanl Center for Preservation Training and Technology/ the National Park Service, is a video game mod (module) for preservation training and outreach. The module was developed within an existing game platform Elderscrolls IV: Oblivion. By using an existing game for the mod/prototype, the project was able to focus on creating multiple game narratives and assess how well they delivered preservation and conservation educational goals and outcomes. After completion of the module development, the three different narrative strategies were assessed through incorporation into college curricula and classes at the Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Delaware. Although played on a commercially licensed game engine, the mod itself is open source.

The mod itself is made up of four overarching game arcs or quests that, all together, make up about 5-7 hours of gameplay depending on player experience. Each major quest is based around preservation based learning goals and outcomes:

1. Conservation Tutorial
2. Getting to Know the Collection
3. Health and Safety
4. Managing the Environment
5. Nefertari’s Tomb
6. Pigment Analysis
7. Archimedes Palimpsest
8. The Trustee’s Quest

Assessment in class, both at RIT and the University of Delaware, determined that students overall engaged with the material in a more meaningful way than the previous lecture based delivery. Feedback from students was used to improve the integration of game play and educational goals. In addition, a walkthrough and an Educational Guide were prepared to help educators in other institutions use the mod in their classrooms.

Links and References: