Another History: Alternative Stories in Game Development

Another History: Alternative Stories in Game Development spotlights the overlooked pioneers whose work has been instrumental in shaping a more inclusive gaming industry. Through a diverse array of voices, these developers have challenged the norms of representation, broadening the narrative scope of video games and pushing for equity in both character diversity and development environments. This exhibition celebrates their contributions, highlighting the power of alternative stories in an industry often dominated by a single narrative. Their innovations not only expand our understanding of what games can be, but also pave the way for a future where all players and creators are seen, heard, and valued.

Another History also highlights Champlain College’s Game History Collection. In bi-weekly rotations, original consoles from various generations of game development are on display. We encourage you to relive the past and experience playing video games using their original hardware—consoles, controllers—hooked up to original vintage CRT TVs. Once you get a feel for playing a game as it was intended, we then invite you to play our re-implemented games courtesy of the MiSTer Project. Started in 2017 by Alexey “Sorgelig” Melnikov, the MiSTer FPGA Project is an open-source initiative that uses core devices to re-implement classic video games on modern FPGA-based hardware. This allows vintage games to run on modern devices such as mice, keyboards, controllers, and flat-screens. The MiSTer Project is ongoing and supports most game console and arcade system cores, contributing to the digital preservation of game history.

Another History is up until October 27th in the Main Gallery located on the second floor of the Center for Creative Media at Champlain College. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 10am-4pm or by appointment. If you would like to contact us please email: gallery@champlain.edu.