Preserving the Past, One Game at a Time: A Journey into Nova Scotia's Video Game History
In the heart of Nova Scotia, an unsung hero is on a mission to safeguard a unique aspect of the province's cultural heritage - its video game history. Meet Adam Hartling, a passionate advocate and archivist, whose dedication to preserving locally-made games is a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of an industry and a region's identity.
The Passion Project
Adam Hartling, by day a business operations analyst for the provincial government, has a secret passion. He's on a quest to archive and document Nova Scotia's interactive digital history, a project that began as a hobby but has since grown into a labor of love. Hartling's dedication to this cause is a testament to his belief in the importance of preserving local culture and supporting the game development industry.
The recent closure of Ubisoft's Halifax studio, leaving a void in the local industry, has only fueled Hartling's determination. He sees it as an opportunity for the region's talented developers to flourish independently, and his archive, the Halifax Game Collective Archive, is a crucial resource in this endeavor.
A History Unveiled
Nova Scotia's video game history, as Hartling breaks it down, is a journey through three distinct eras. It begins with the pre-HB Studios era, where a company called Simulations Canada, founded in the late 1970s, produced tabletop wargames and later ventured into home computer games. This early foray into interactive gaming sets the stage for the region's unique contribution to the industry.
The second era, marked by the rise of HB Studios and the media tax credit, saw a boom in local game development studios. Companies like Silverback and Gogii emerged, contributing to the growth of the industry. This period, Hartling notes, was a turning point, leading into what he calls the 'indie era' around 2010.
Preserving the Digital Legacy
Hartling's passion for preservation is deeply personal. As a long-time enthusiast of the local game scene, he's witnessed the disappearance of many web-based games, a phenomenon he likens to digital rot. This loss of art, especially from game jams, which he considers akin to folk art, motivated him to start his archiving project.
The challenges are many. With the demise of platforms like Flash and functions like Dropbox's web hosting, many games have become unreachable. Hartling cites the example of 'our god lives underground', a game created for a game jam in 2014, which is now lost to the internet.
Celebrating Regional Culture
A unique aspect of Nova Scotia's game development scene is its celebration of regional culture. Games like 'Clarevoyance', developed by Chad Comeau, immerse players in Acadian history and culture. 'Kun'tewiktuk: A Mi'kmaw Adventure' by Green Robot, based on a Mi'kmaw myth, showcases the region's indigenous heritage. Even an RPG about Atlantic Canada, created by the band Motorleague, offers a fun take on local culture, with garlic fingers as enemies!
The Halifax Style
When asked about a distinct Halifax or Nova Scotia style in game development, Hartling admits it's hard to pinpoint. While the early days were marked by a drive to professionalize and enter the industry, the region's developers are diverse, creating a range of games and experiences. However, the common thread, he believes, is the enthusiasm and talent of the people involved.
Challenges and Opportunities
The local game development scene has faced challenges, including layoffs and the closure of the video game development course at NSCC. But Hartling sees these as opportunities for growth. With the departure of Ubisoft, many talented developers are now free to pursue their own projects, and Hartling is hopeful they'll stay in the region, fueled by their passion and supported by local funding.
A Personal Journey
Hartling's own journey into games began with a simple arcade shooter, 'Demon Attack', played at his cousin's house. Growing up in rural Pugwash, Nova Scotia, games offered him a way to explore and escape, providing a sense of participation and immersion that reading alone couldn't offer. This personal connection to games drives his passion for preserving this aspect of Nova Scotia's cultural history.
Conclusion
Adam Hartling's work is a reminder of the importance of preserving our digital heritage. His archive, a labor of love, is a testament to the power of passion and the value of local culture. As we move forward, let's not forget to look back, to appreciate and learn from the past, and to ensure that our digital legacy is preserved for future generations.
