Some results of the Sociological Study «Computer Games and the Politics of Memory»

Abstract

<jats:p>The purpose of this article is to identify the distinctive features of Russian gamers. The tasks include determining the conditions for politicization of gamers, discovering their political and symbolic preferences, considering the potential of computer games with a historical plot in shaping the politics of memory of the whole country. The main methodological optics are the principles of sociological survey. The communication capabilities of computer games were interpreted using Herbert Blumer’s symbolic interactionism model. The results showed that the respondents mostly choose the single-player mode in computer games; therefore, the working hypothesis that gamers are trying to switch to the multiuser mode has not been yet confirmed. Although it is not yet clear how the situation on the market and among gamers will evolve in the future. Therefore, a rather controversial topic now arises for further discussion. Most respondents confirm the fact that historical events are distorted through computer games, but players interpret this as an act of creativity rather than intentional political manipulation. It is noteworthy that there are two distinct categories of players who are interested in the history of the 20th century and the Middle Ages. These periods are extremely important for the development of political identity since the medieval period is associated with the historical roots and formation of the country, and the 20th century is associated with significant turning points for Russia. Computer games are becoming an important communication channel that is open to politicization. First, the possibility for such politicization is determined by previous cases of distorting historical facts. Second, the survey showed that the gaming community in Russia is ready to contribute to the protection of historical truth. Third, the fact that Russian gamers need clear and recognizable political symbols in computer games with a historical plot is fundamentally important.</jats:p>