Conserving the Past Through Play: Educational Gaming and Anti-Looting Outreach in Cambodia

Abstract

According to Heritage Watch, a collaborative NGO based in Cambodia which is active in archaeological salvage work, village outreach and education, the looting of archaeological sites in Cambodia has now reached “epic proportions.” Although increased security and tourism provide protection to the famous historic-period monuments of the Khmer Empire, the sites and vestiges of Cambodia’s prehistoric past, especially Bronze Age and Iron Age (c. 3500-1500 BP) burial mounds located in northeastern provinces, are increasingly under threat. Perceived economic incentive and coercion of local villagers by duplicitous “middle-men” seeking inflated profits from the international black market begin the antiquities trade. The overall lack of awareness of the significance of these sites amongst both locals and foreign visitors, and the lack of appreciation of the importance of accurate archaeological excavations for understanding the past, keep the trade active. However, in recent years many new laws, projects, and outreach campaigns have begun to be implemented; most of which showing initial promise. Nevertheless, the fight against looting in Cambodia remains an uphill battle, and the active creation and implementation of projects which take full advantage of current technologies are still required. This paper will describe one such project: the ongoing design and construction of an educational computer game called Looter! Available in both Khmer and English, the game brings together 2D and 3D art and animation, upto- date archaeological knowledge, and easily accessible game play formats. Through introductory and interstitial animated “cut-scenes” to set the premise, and two levels of game play, the player will not only begin to understand what is known about Cambodia’s late prehistory but will also comprehend the damage that looting does to all involved, and conversely, the benefits to be gained from scientifically sound excavation. The paper will discuss the game so far, its context, background and planned applications.