‘Antiquity in Simulation’ is a one-day symposium that takes place at the University of Oxford, Ioannou Centre, on Saturday 13th June. Centre member Jenny Cromwell will deliver the second keynote lecture: “(Re)constructing Ancient Egypt in non-Western Video Games“. In this talk, she’ll discuss how ancient Egypt is represented in games primarily made by Japanese design studios. As well as asking what aspects of Egypt’s presentation are particular to Japanese studios, she’ll also be addressing the difficulties faced by undertaking this work, including language barriers and disciplinary limitations. Games discussed include Persona 5 (2016), Vampire Savior (1997), and Warriors of the Nile (2020), as well as brief discussions of Super Mario Land (1989) and Bomb Jack (1984/1986).

King Totomesu, the boss of Birubuto Kingdom, Super Mario Land.