History and Simulation/Gaming: Living With Two Solitudes

Abstract

The History and Simulation/Gaming special issue should be understood as being bi-directional. The historical theme refers to the use of games and simulations, to the study of history, and to the place of history—or perhaps, simply the dimension of time and change—in the use and design of games. Historians in universities, designers and players of the well-known historical games, and the gamers who read and contribute to this journal seem to belong to distinct classes. This special issue, a modest undertaking in length and scope, is an attempt to bridge the chasm between the two classes. A sense of history can be a source of strength, intellectual or otherwise. The articles in this special issue are an opportunity for historians, gamers, and historical gamers to briefly connect.