FROM GODS TO GAMERS
Humans have in all times and in all possible places played together. Games are a way to meet and socialize – both physically and digitally. They can be used to resolve conflicts, predict the future or to connect with divine beings. Common to all types of games is that there are rules that the players must follow, rules that can vary in different groups and over time and space.
Games have had enormous significance for human development. Through games, we train many abilities, not least getting along with others. Just as people evolve, so too do new games. In the exhibition, you will be able to follow this development from the past to the present.
PRESENT TIME, OBJECTS AND RESEARCH
In the collection of the World Culture Museums there are many games that span different times and places. Now these items are being pulled from the magazines, and in many cases, exposed to visitors for the first time – side by side with newer board games, RPGs, live and digital games, such as arcade games, indie games and e-sports.
In the exhibition, you also get to meet players from different places around the world who present their favorite game. The exhibition is created with several partners. Including the Digital Ludeme Project – a research project on how games spread – led by Cameron Browne at the University of Maastricht.
Games are not only simple and fun – the exhibition also highlights games about money and power and games that have been banned for various reasons. These are just two examples of how games can serve as a starting point for a further exploration of different cultures and historical events.
