Dungeons without Dragons : Using Tabletop Roleplaying Games for Public Archaeology

Dungeons without Dragons : Using Tabletop Roleplaying Games for Public Archaeology

Jess Thompson Spence

Abstract

"Among the many shifts within public archaeology and heritage during recent years is an endeavour to find new methods of engagement which has been broadly undertaken within the field. This thesis suggests one such method could be found in the use of Tabletop Roleplaying Games (TTRPGs). It does so by examining the current issues in public archaeology and how an intersection between archaeology and game studies could be applied. This includes the importance of empathy and roleplaying in understanding of the past and how this could be applied to the field of public archaeology."

Reference

Thompson Spence, J. (2024). Dungeons without Dragons: Using tabletop roleplaying games for public archaeology (Master’s thesis, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden). Uppsala University. https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A1846915&dswid=-9223

Keywords

Public Archaeology, Heritage, TTRPGs