On Wednesday 1 March, the digital game Valletta: Streets of History was officially released with a launch event hosted at the , University of Malta.
Valletta: Streets of History is an augmented reality (AR) location-based mobile game, in which the player assumes the role of a detective-historian and explores Maltese history and culture by physically visiting different places in Valletta. In each location, the player can unlock archival entries and follow a blend of fictional and historical clues pertaining to Malta’s rich past to unravel three different storylines inspired by personal microhistories.
“Our game invites players to reimagine familiar and contemporary spaces with a historical lens,†said creative director Dr Renata Ntelia.
The gameplay is enhanced by thematically appropriate mini-games and AR elements. It resides in the convergence between recreational and educational game design, and reflects research interests in the relations between games, history, and urban space and place. The stories that players follow were developed on a foundation of archival research, properly adapted into a playful experience.
The game will be of particular interest to history enthusiasts, educators looking for alternative and innovative ways to introduce their students to history, urban explorers looking to take a different perspective upon Valletta’s well-trodden streets, and tourists eager to explore Maltese history and culture off the beaten track.
“The game explores ways of engaging with marginalised voices from the archives, and opening up Maltese history to greater public participation,†stated lead researcher, .
The launch event included a presentation and demonstration of the game to guests, followed by talks by invited speakers , President at the Notarial Archives Foundation and from the University of Malta.
Valletta: Streets of History was developed by a team of academics and alumni from the Institute of Digital Games and the , comprising Dr Renata Ntelia, , Dr Krista Bonello Rutter Giappone, Ms Emmanuela Marla, Mr Yannis Brellas, Ms Aphrodite Theodora Andreou, and Ms Naomi Cutajar, and was funded by .
Valletta: Streets of History is available for download on Google Play and the App Store.
Photo by Melinda Sue Borg
