A docudrama is defined as a “fictionalized drama based on real events” (dictionary.com). The past few classes we’ve been focusing on what we’ve categorized as documentary style games, but I think that it is important that we differentiate between the documentary games and what I would view as these “docudrama” style games. Although they seem rather similar, I think that the implications that they have can have very different impacts. Molleindustria, who created some of the games that we have played, such as Unmanned and Phone Story, take on this idea of a docudrama, in which, they create very real scenarios based on actual events. In Unmanned, the soldier doesn’t necessarily represent one soldier in particular, but rather one who represents all soldiers and their struggles in everyday life. Documentary style games I think are more like the JFK Reloaded game in which the historical details are finely tuned and paid very close attention to.Take for example however, the Flight to Freedom game. This game is a direct representation of a narrative of a fictional, although very realistic character, attempting to escape slavery in America. In this game, one of the characters is a true historical figure who actually lived and aided in the freeing of runaway slaves. This game blurs the distinction between actual historical recreation and a dramatization, and thus documentary and “docudrama” style games.

The reason I find it important to attempt to distinguish between the two is to understand the impact that these games can have that are different from one another. “Docudramas”, much like the ones on TV and the like, can give us an idea of something that is occurring, or has occurred, without taking us there necessarily. One great example of this that I’d like to introduce is Food Force. This game occurs on a fictional island, but presents all of the ideas that are crucial to our society in this time including civil war, famine, and global warming. However, it doesn’t take place in a real environment. Darfur is Dying however, informed us of the actual crisis going on in Darfur by placing us in that location, although with a fictional family. I think the fundamental distinction between these two games is their ability to make these locations real in our consciousness. Without the realism of location or storyline, it’s hard for the games to have the same impact in making us concerned or aware of the particular issue as it is meant to be viewed.