Fortnite’s Holocaust museum and how video games incorporate exhibition spaces
Fortnite’s Holocaust museum and how video games incorporate exhibition spaces
Fortnite’s Holocaust museum and how video games incorporate exhibition spaces
By Allison C. Meier
October 2, 2023
Summary
Fortnite, a popular online video game, now features a virtual museum called Voices of the Forgotten, dedicated to the Holocaust. Created by game designer Luc Bernard with approval from Epic Games, the museum allows players to navigate through exhibitions highlighting Holocaust stories, including those of historical figures like Abdol Hossein Sardari and Haika Grosman. Bernard, inspired by the storytelling potential of video games and concerned about neo-Nazism, faced online harassment during the project's announcement. The museum, which disables certain features to maintain a respectful environment, aims to make history accessible, particularly as antisemitism rises in the U.S. Fortnite, known for its diverse "skins" and massive fights, received criticism in the Anti-Defamation League's Online Holocaust Denial Report Card. Despite debates, virtual museums in video games are gaining attention, providing unique ways to engage with cultural and historical topics. Museums in games offer opportunities to connect with diverse audiences and explore innovative 21st-century museum experiences.
Reference
Meier, A. C. (2023, October 2). Fortnite’s Holocaust Museum and how video games incorporate exhibition spaces. The Art Newspaper. Retrieved from https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2023/10/02/fortnites-holocaust-museum-and-how-video-games-are-addressing-history