IAA - Witch-Hunting A Serious Game Commercialisation Project

Dr Andrew Sneddon and Dr Victoria McCollum have collaborated with Brian Coyle and Sabrina Minter of Game Design in Belfast School of Art to produce a “Serious Video Game†based on the 1711 trial, in which the user plays a character tasked with examining and evaluating a historically “real†trial through evidence and testimony provided. It is a choice-led, open world game for PC, of which a playable demo has been produced: https://w1711.org/video-game/ The current demo is character driven and immersive, has sophisticated decision-making mechanics, a detailed storyline, high quality graphics, and a recognisable history and horror influenced aesthetic. It is currently being user tested at the exhibition in Carrickfergus, County Antrim. The game requires further development and testing before commercial release. This project will provide us with the knowledge and skills to produce, release, and market a more polished version to ensure sustainable, wider-ranging public access. Its placement in specific heritage contexts will impact the ways NI museums and archives engages with Irish history and will develop inclusive, future-focused, creative technologies for use by heritage professionals. By working with, and within, the burgeoning gaming industry in NI, it will provide personal and professional development and enhanced artistic achievement of game developers and influence creative practice of ‘serious’ game developers. It will also influence, through workshops and knowledge transfer events, strategy and curriculum innovation in the history teaching sector. It will enhance public understanding and awareness of the witch trials in NI, tackle the myths concerning why people were accused of witchcraft, and address a wider EDI agenda. This impact on attitudes, awareness and economy will be measured by physical footfall; game feedback; online game reviews, and statements from project partners. We aim to develop the game within the team and/or work with commercial publishers and game studios. The team has combined strengths in history and designing and developing games, but we need help with marketing, commercialisation and enhancing impact.