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History and video games: the prehistoric world brought to life with the help of artificial intelligence
The meeting of history and video games is not merely about entertainment. Researchers at Scandinavian universities have demonstrated that through a range of digital solutions, the past can be not only presented but truly experienced, as the boundaries between science and interactive experience gradually blur.
In the age of digitalisation – particularly since the turn of the millennium – video games have attracted growing interest. Over the years, an increasing number of genres have emerged, among them the relatively new category known as archeogames, which aim to establish a connection between history and video games.
In a study published in Advances in Archaeological Practice, researchers from the University of Copenhagen and the University of Bergen show that the development of interactive, historically authentic video games is no longer the exclusive domain of large-budget studios. The concept of the archeogame allows archaeologists themselves to create digital learning experiences, even without extensive technical expertise.
Archeogames as the intersection of history and video games
In recent decades, archaeological outreach has relied primarily on videos, static exhibitions and pre-scripted multimedia content. While these methods remain effective to a certain extent, they rarely provide a truly immersive, interactive experience in museum or educational contexts. Archeogames, by contrast, represent a digital format in which the player becomes an active participant, stepping out of the role of passive observer.
According to a report by Archaeology News, Scandinavian researchers have created a three-dimensional game with a Neolithic theme, evoking the prehistoric world of Northern Europe. The development made use of freely available software such as Unreal Engine, while also incorporating AI-driven dialogue systems and publicly accessible tutorials. The result is a game that is both easy to navigate and rich in content, employing particularly engaging methods to connect history and video games.
Real data and living dialogue
The game is built upon real archaeological data. The virtual environment was modelled using 3D scans of well-preserved Neolithic dolmens located in the Lindeskov Hestehave area of Denmark. Players can explore a forest clearing where they interact with two digital characters: an archaeologist and a prehistoric woman.
One of the genre’s most innovative features is that these characters do not operate according to pre-written dialogue trees. Instead, they rely on controlled generative artificial intelligence grounded in carefully curated archaeological knowledge. This allows conversations to be open-ended and natural-sounding while maintaining scientific credibility. This represents one of the archeogame’s greatest advantages over traditional, script-based educational games.
An expandable experience
Because archeogames are not bound to rigid dialogue structures, their content can be easily updated as new archaeological interpretations emerge. The researchers later added a new level to the game, featuring animal characters, open landscapes and a cave inhabited by a shaman figure. This level introduces players to the world of prehistoric rock art.
Feedback from test players with diverse backgrounds indicated that the archeogame format was highly accessible and enjoyable, even for those with no prior archaeological knowledge. This suggests that such digital experiences can serve as an effective bridge between academic research and the wider public.
Opportunities and risks
The study also draws important conclusions regarding cultural heritage. Technologies such as 3D photogrammetry, originally developed for documentation purposes, can now form the basis of interactive learning environments. Archeogames could therefore be applied in museum exhibitions, educational programmes or even online platforms.
At the same time, the authors warn of potential risks. As game development tools become increasingly accessible, more historically themed content may be produced at the expense of historical accuracy. It is therefore crucial that archaeologists and heritage professionals actively participate in development processes, offering experiences that are both engaging and evidence-based, thereby meaningfully connecting the worlds of history and video games.