The Re-Creators: the history of computer games and how they change us

The Re-Creators: the history of computer games and how they change us

A puzzle game from The Re-Creators project
A game from The Re-Creators project

Young Roots

Horwich North
Bolton
Lever Park School
£44800
Young people will explore the evolution of computer games from Pong to modern-day narrative-based platform games.

Lever Park School is a school for young people aged 11-16 who have needs relating to social, emotional and mental health issues.

This project was devised in response to the young people wanting to explore the history of computer games as part of their school computer club.

The young people investigated, explored and interpreted how video games, technology, designers and players have evolved. The group underwent interview training to help them capture oral histories from people who have made and played the games that they are researching.

They also visited the Centre for Computing History in Cambridge to learn more about the way these games are produced.

Following on from their research, the group designed their own game to teach people about the heritage of the UK's video gaming industry. This was shared with local primary and secondary schools to engage more people with this heritage.

The project culminated in an exhibition of the group's work. The oral histories were placed in the care of Archives+ in Manchester to share with future generations.