Affordances at the intersection of museums and videogames: a critical examination of the potential application of videogames as museum interpretation

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Hondsmerk, A., 2022. Affordances at the intersection of museums and videogames: a critical examination of the potential application of videogames as museum interpretation. PhD, Nottingham Trent University.

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Abstract

This interdisciplinary thesis critically explores the intersection of museum interpretation and videogames. It aims to identify affordances of videogames which address the needs and challenges of contemporary interpretative practice. This research will enable museums to more effectively and meaningfully utilise videogames as a form of interpretation in a sector which is increasingly interested in the potential of digital and new media. As previous research at the intersection of museums and videogames has rarely focused explicitly on interpretation, this thesis contributes to the development of the emerging field of research at the intersection.

This thesis makes a detailed study of current academic conceptualisations of museum interpretation and how they have developed in relation to new theories and understandings. It then explores areas of significant crossover between museum studies, the professional museum sector, game studies, and the videogame industry which are relevant to interpretative practice. Utilising relevant literature and case studies, this thesis undertakes an integrative review of the following concepts; narrative and storytelling, emotion and affect, and rhetoric.

Bridging the gap between theory and practice, this thesis also documents a six-month placement with the National Justice Museum. Employing a research through design method, the placement explored the possible applications of the research in a practical project. Through the negotiation of barriers and opportunities it examines the implications of the research for future museum game makers.

Item Type:	Thesis
Description:	Abridged version. This work was supported by the AHRC Midlands4Cities Doctoral Training Partnership.
Creators:	Hondsmerk, A.
Date:	September 2022
Rights:	The copyright in this work is held by the author. You may copy up to 5% of this work for private study, or personal, non-commercial research. Any re-use of the information contained within this document should be fully referenced, quoting the author, title, university, degree level and pagination. Queries or requests for any other use, or if a more substantial copy is required, should be directed to the author. Chapter Seven and Chapter Eight of this thesis have been reviewed and approved by the National Justice Museum.
Divisions:	Schools > School of Arts and Humanities
Record created by:	Linda Sullivan
Date Added:	07 Mar 2023 11:13
Last Modified:	07 Mar 2023 11:14
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/48468