Abstrakt
This short chapter considers to what extent must be in serious games present the element of fun. Recent studies like Kirriemuir and McFarlane1 do indicate '87% of most frequent computer and video game players said the number one reason they play games is because it's fun.'2 On the contrary, serious games, especially historical simulations must be based on the proven facts and correctly mimic the 'historical reality,' what might be a very limiting factor to the implementation of fun into this category of video games.
The virtual recreation of historical events and environments might often get into the conflict with public opinion, and often with the case-expert's understanding of the historical events. Video games like JFK Reloaded, in the UK, or recently 1378, in Germany, have received public criticism for inappropriate content design although both titles were designed as a truthful simulation based on the proven facts.
How do these two titles implement elements of fun and is there a way how to justify fun in these environments? Among the video games studied 1378 and JFK Reloaded, as well the author's own speculative concept of video game on anti-communist resistance will be considered.