Why medieval city-builder video games are historically inaccurate (2020)
12 hours ago
- #medieval-history
- #city-builder-games
- #historical-accuracy
- Medieval city-builder games often depict linear settlement growth, which is historically inaccurate as medieval villages were often on the edge of subsistence with stable populations.
- Historical medieval settlements were carefully planned, with specific layouts like circular manors, street settlements, and exploitation villages, often initiated by monasteries or feudal lords.
- Medieval village life was complex, involving land ownership by lords or monasteries, taxes, tithes, and seigneurial duties, which drained resources and manpower.
- Settlements faced threats like bad weather, diseases, epidemics, warfare, and social unrest, which could devastate communities.
- An accurate medieval city-builder game should include features like initial settlement planning, flexible road tools, flood mechanics, and tax collection to reflect historical realities.
- Current games avoid historical accuracy due to gameplay preferences, fear of punishing players, technical limitations, and marketing concerns tied to romanticized medieval imagery.