Total War: Strategy series pits accuracy against authenticity
Total War and the battle of accuracy vs authenticity
Image source, Creative Assembly
By Andrew Rogers
BBC Newsbeat
In a world where time travel remains a distant dream, the Total War video games offer an intriguing glimpse into the past. Set in various historical periods, these real-time strategy games challenge players to step into the shoes of historical leaders, managing resources and armies in their quest for global domination. Since its inception 25 years ago, the British studio Creative Assembly's Total War series has captivated millions of players, selling over 35 million copies. With installments set in ancient Rome, feudal Japan, and ancient Egypt, the games have always been grounded in history, but their developers have gone to great lengths to ensure they reflect the time periods they depict.
The relationship between video games and history is an intriguing one. It began when a developer at Creative Assembly read one of Prof. Peter Wilson's books, a renowned expert on the impact of war on societies. Wilson, the Chichele Professor of the History of War at the University of Oxford, was approached by the company to advise on the upcoming Total War: Medieval III. His role involves engaging with the public outside the university to explore the historical context of war, and he believes that video games can be a powerful medium for this purpose. While he hasn't played the games himself, he has contributed to shaping them, ensuring historical accuracy and authenticity.
One example of this attention to detail is the impact of seasons on medieval warfare. Prof. Wilson explains that early modern and medieval warfare was heavily dependent on grass for horse fuel and transportation. Therefore, in the game, launching military campaigns during winter is more challenging, mirroring the historical reality. This attention to detail extends beyond historical accuracy; it enhances the player's experience, making the game more engaging and immersive.
However, the pursuit of total accuracy can be a double-edged sword. Luke Holmes, a senior designer at Creative Assembly, acknowledges that while accuracy is essential, it should not compromise the player's enjoyment. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, which goes beyond mere facts and captures the essence of a historical period. The Total War games, he explains, will always diverge from the 'real' path of history, allowing players to make decisions that alter the course of events. This freedom to shape their own history is a significant part of the appeal.
Total War is not alone in its quest to blend history and gaming. Other series like Red Dead Redemption, Crusader Kings, and Assassin's Creed have also ventured into the past, offering players captivating historical experiences. Assassin's Creed, in particular, has been praised for its collaboration with local experts and historians, bringing historical settings to life with full Arabic voice acting. But does all this effort make the games more fun to play? According to Luke Holmes, the answer is yes. Capturing the feel of a historical period, he believes, makes the games more engaging and immersive, allowing players to feel like they are truly experiencing history. However, he also acknowledges the limits, as total accuracy across the board might make the games less enjoyable.
In the end, the Total War series strikes a delicate balance between accuracy and authenticity, offering players an engaging and educational experience. As Prof. Wilson suggests, these games prompt players to think like historians, raising fundamental questions about motivations, victories, and meaningful change. This blend of entertainment and education is what makes the Total War series a unique and captivating journey through history.
