Cultural Heritage and Environmental Communication Through Digital Games

The PAC-PAC research project at the University of Cagliari investigates whether digital games can promote and communicate cultural heritage, particularly lesser-known sites, and whether such experiences can stimulate tourism and knowledge of local traditions. The central premise is that video game narratives, especially those generated through player interaction, create emotional bonds with places and cultural objects, which may redefine public interest in them. The authors draw on examples such as Assassin's Creed II's depiction of Monteriggioni and cite empirical evidence linking digital games to increased tourism and heritage awareness.

The project's method combines historical research, location scouting with local authorities, and the development of a custom authoring tool for point-and-click adventures. Rather than using conventional rendered graphics, the games rely on photographs and videos, some captured in 360-degree views, to strengthen the player's connection to real environments. Production followed a structured pipeline from site selection and game design documentation through onsite filming with a specialist crew and post-production editing. At the time of writing, three games are nearing completion: an adventure centered on Sardinian geo-mineral and industrial archaeology sites, a Lovecraft-inspired horror game set in Cagliari's public gardens, and a visual novel tracing D.H. Lawrence's journey through Sardinia. Each is tailored to a distinct audience based on the tourist demographics of its location.

The authors outline planned evaluation methods, including playtesting sessions, participant questionnaires, and monitoring of tourist visitation with local authorities. A public evaluation is scheduled for late 2021, and the work so far consists of three playable prototypes and several others in pre-production. The paper presents these outcomes as preliminary; if feedback confirms a positive effect on heritage communication, the authors suggest the project could yield a game design framework that local authorities might adopt to promote regional customs, traditions, and environments.