Digital pharaoh: Archaeology, public education and interactive entertainment

Abstract

Only recently have archaeologists begun to accept interactive digital media as a suitable medium for the delivery of archaeological information. Unfortunately, this new recognition has yet to include interactive digital entertainment. In general, archaeologists are ignorant of the effects that interactive entertainment has on the public's perception of archaeology and the human past. The purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction to archaeologically-oriented interactive entertainment. Emphasis will be placed on the impact that computer games have on the public's perception of archaeology, archaeologists and the human past. Ultimately, the paper encourages public archaeologists to become ‘change agents’ in the interactive entertainment industry to ensure the ethical and moral representation of the archaeological discipline as well as human culture, both past and present.