The Acadia Centre for Critical Play (ACCP) is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the history and impact of video games. Housed in the Vaughan Memorial Library, it offers a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of gaming, from the early days of Pong to the latest releases on PS5 and Xbox Series X. But it's not just about the collection; the ACCP is a catalyst for critical thinking and engagement with the medium, challenging the notion that video games are merely frivolous entertainment.
The center's creation is a testament to the passion and dedication of its directors, Mike Beazley, Dr. Natalie Swain, and Dr. Jon Saklofske. What began as a personal collection has now become a valuable resource for students, faculty, and the community. Dr. Saklofske emphasizes the importance of making technological and media history accessible, stating, 'We thought we'd try to find a place on campus where we could allow students and faculty and even members of the community to come in and experience that history more directly.'
One of the ACCP's most remarkable features is its playability. Unlike traditional archives, the entire collection is interactive, allowing visitors to engage with the history of gaming firsthand. Dr. Swain highlights the significance of this approach, saying, 'I think this is something a lot of universities would like to do.' By making the collection playable, the ACCP bridges the gap between the past and present, ensuring that the history of video games is not just studied but experienced.
The ACCP's mission extends beyond preserving history. It aims to foster a game-based literacy, encouraging students to critically engage with interactive cultural experiences. Dr. Saklofske argues that video games are a significant part of contemporary culture, stating, 'Universities don't just look at history. We participate in public discourse about contemporary moments.' By incorporating video games into the curriculum, the ACCP empowers students to analyze the messages and narratives embedded within games, promoting critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the medium.
The center's approach to incorporating video games in education is innovative. Instead of treating games as mere texts, the directors use them as a tool for learning and creativity. Dr. Swain shares a successful example from her Roman history class, where students studied video games depicting ancient Rome, much like they would literary texts. The final assignment involved creating playthrough videos, showcasing the students' understanding of the game's narrative and its connection to Roman civilization.
Dr. Saklofske takes this a step further by having students design and build their own video games using open-source tools. This approach not only encourages creativity but also teaches students valuable skills in information arrangement and communication. Gwen Trombly, a student who participated in one of Dr. Saklofske's courses, describes the experience as 'a very deeply thoughtful process,' emphasizing the importance of thinking creatively about how to convey messages through gaming.
The ACCP's impact extends beyond the classroom. The directors envision it as a hub for community engagement and collaboration. Mike Beazley expresses this vision, stating, 'Our hope is that people who are interested in engaging and exploring ideas through games, with games, and about games will get in touch with us so we can get some cool projects going.' The center plans to host game jams and provide opportunities for faculty and researchers to learn about incorporating video games into their teaching.
In a world where video games are increasingly prevalent, the ACCP serves as a vital resource for understanding and appreciating the medium. Dr. Swain's words resonate, 'Games have all of the rich possibility of every art form; they’re the art form of our time.' By embracing video games as a valid art form and a platform for critical engagement, the ACCP is paving the way for a more inclusive and thoughtful approach to education and cultural discourse.
