Representing History: The Different Facets of The Oregon Trail Game
Representing History: The Different Facets of The Oregon Trail Game
Representing History: The Different Facets of The Oregon Trail Game
Rick Lane
July, 22, 2024
Summary
Released in 1971, The Oregon Trail is considered the first survival game, designed by student teachers as an educational tool to simulate westward expansion. Players guide a wagon train over 2,000 miles, facing challenges like hunting, resource management, and unpredictable events. The game's most recognized version came in 1985, under R. Philip Bouchard, who modernized its design and gameplay. Over time, the game evolved to address historical inaccuracies, shifting towards a more nuanced representation of Indigenous perspectives. The 2021 remake by Gameloft further enhances this by including diverse characters and acknowledging the negative impacts of westward expansion.
Reference
Lane, R. (2024, July 22). Representing history: The different facets of The Oregon Trail game. Epic Games. https://store.epicgames.com/fr/news/representing-history-the-many-faces-of-the-oregon-trail