Decoder Ring: The Forgotten Video Game About Slavery | Slow Burn

Intro

In this episode of the “Slow Burn” podcast titled “Decoder Ring: The Forgotten Video Game About Slavery,” Dakota Ring and Willa Paskin explore the controversial educational software program called Freedom. They delve into its creation, its impact on students and teachers, and the criticisms it faced. The podcast highlights the potential of video games to educate players on important historical events while emphasizing the need for thoughtful and accurate portrayals.

Main Takeaways

Video Games and Historical Narratives

• Many video games omit slavery from their historical narratives.
• Sid Meier’s Colonization is an example of a game that completely omits slavery.

The Controversial Freedom Software

• Julian Lucas found an educational software program called Freedom that addresses slavery.
• Freedom was controversial, and some parents wanted it banned from public schools.
• Freedom was the first American computer software to take on slavery as its subject.
• It was sent to one-third of the school districts in the US but was pulled from the market less than four months later.
• The controversy surrounding Freedom stemmed from how it portrayed slavery and the Underground Railroad.

The Creators of Freedom

• Rich Bergeron and Kamau-Kambui were the creators of Freedom.
• Mac, the company responsible for Oregon Trail, was also involved in the creation of Freedom.
• Rich Bergeron was interested in creating a point-to-point simulation about the Underground Railroad.
• Kamau-Kambui was already running a real-life outdoor Underground Railroad reenactment in the Twin Cities.

The Digital Reenactment Project

• Kamau-Kambui and Rich Bergeron embarked on a digital reenactment project about the Underground Railroad.
• The project was called Freedom and was intended as an educational simulation rather than a game.
• The team consisted of five members, all of whom were white.
• Kamau-Kambui served as the simulation’s consultant to ensure accuracy.

The Gameplay and Reception of Freedom

• Freedom used a dialect approximation of 19th-century black speech for the written dialogue of enslaved characters.
• Players started out on a plantation and had to navigate obstacles, hunt, fish, and confront slave patrols.
• The game was playtested on actual students in grades 5 through 9 and by their teachers.
• Despite public accolades, there were concerns and criticisms from some black individuals and teachers about the simulation’s premise.

The Controversy and Aftermath

• Black parents rallied together to demand the game be removed from schools.
• Mech, the company that created the game, faced backlash and had to apologize and pull it from the market.
• The controversy around Freedom revealed its design choices and caricature-like portrayal of Black people as liabilities.
• In the 30 years since Freedom’s release, the people involved have had time to reflect on its impact and potential improvements.

Summary

Video Games and Historical Narratives

Many video games often overlook or exclude slavery from their historical narratives. Sid Meier’s Colonization is an example of a game that completely omits slavery, raising questions about the omission of such a significant historical event.

The Controversial Freedom Software

Freedom, an educational software program addressing slavery, sparked controversy and faced calls for its removal from public schools. The program aimed to educate students on important historical events but faced criticism for its portrayal of slavery and the Underground Railroad. Despite being sent to numerous school districts, it was pulled from the market within a short period.

The Creators of Freedom

Rich Bergeron and Kamau-Kambui were the creators of Freedom. Mac, the company responsible for Oregon Trail, was also involved in its development. Rich Bergeron, a historian and social studies expert, aimed to create a point-to-point simulation about the Underground Railroad. Kamau-Kambui, already involved in real-life reenactments, brought his expertise to the project.

The Digital Reenactment Project

Kamau-Kambui and Rich Bergeron collaborated on a digital reenactment project called Freedom. The team, consisting of five white members, aimed to create an educational simulation rather than a traditional game. Kamau-Kambui’s role as a consultant ensured accuracy and detail in the simulation.

The Gameplay and Reception of Freedom

Freedom immersed players in the experience of being an enslaved runaway, navigating obstacles, hunting, fishing, and confronting slave patrols. Playtested on students and teachers, the simulation received public accolades but also faced concerns and criticisms from black individuals and teachers regarding its premise and portrayal.

The Controversy and Aftermath

The controversy surrounding Freedom led to demands for its removal from schools by black parents. Mech, the company behind the game, faced backlash, apologized, and ultimately pulled it from the market. The controversy highlighted the design choices and caricature-like portrayal of Black people as liabilities. Despite its flaws, the creators and those involved believe that with support and iteration, Freedom could have made a significant impact.

Conclusion

The story of Freedom, the forgotten video game about slavery, sheds light on the potential of video games as educational tools and the importance of thoughtful and accurate portrayals of historical events. While the controversy surrounding Freedom revealed its flaws, it also sparked discussions about the representation of slavery in educational materials. The episode serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for critical examination and improvement in the portrayal of history through video games.