Between the 6th and 8th of December 2024, the network “Digitale Kompetenzen in der Archäologie” (DiKopA) is offering an Archaeogaming Hackathon. I am one of two tutors and am exciting the share the news. In two mornings and two afternoons we will try to create playable games related to the past and archaeology.

Why do we offer this Archaeogaming Hackathon?

I have written in the past, that I am part of a German network of lecturers and students that is concerned with digital competencies in archaeological study programmes and we had our first workshop done in June 2024. During the workshop I had the idea, that it might be a good idea to offer a separate workshop on Archaeogaming to students in Germany to make them aware of our network and to have some fun. I also talked with my colleague Kevin Körner, who liked the idea.

We wanted to offer the hackathon without any fees. Offering the hackathon and organising rooms wasn’t the problem, but we were worried that students might not have the funds to travel to us to do the hackathon for two days and nights. We therefore decided to offer the event in different cities in Germany with an eye on reachability. We decided the first hackathon should take place in Cologne (where I work) and we just finalized the dates and the poster.

What will this be about?

During the hackathon, we want to teach 12 bright minds about Archaeogaming and team work. In a preparatory online meeting, we will give introductions to Archaeogaming and the software suite RPGMaker. When we meet in Cologne, groups should already have prepared ideas so that they can immediately start the work. We will provide computers and licenses for the software as well as some snacks and drinks. In two afternoons and two mornings we want to create 2-3 games in teamwork with the students.

In order to have a manageable group size we also want students to apply for the hackathon to see why they want to participate and what ideas they already have. We therefore ask for a short statement about their intentions. The deadline for application is the 22nd of November. After Cologne, we plan to do at least two more hackathons in Darmstadt and Berlin. If all goes well and the hackathons are well received, we might offer even more events.

What do I expect from the Archaeogaming Hackathon?

Well first of all this might be fun. I already give courses on Archaeogaming in Cologne, but these last for a whole semester. We now want to create video games in basically two days, and this will be a challenge. Also, we want to work very focussed two days straight. So, this also will be very interesting. Finally, we also want to publish the finished games and see if others might play them as well. Lastly, we of course hope that students might also join our network.

If you are interested, I have attached the poster to this post. If you know someone who might be interested, please share!

• Hackathon
• Workshop