Previous disaster video game research indicates that disaster video games have the potential to instil disaster awareness through the portrayal of hazards, vulnerabilities, capacities and disaster risk reduction (DRR), with constructivist learning theory supporting the use of video games. However, while disaster video games can provide researchers with valuable insights into how people conceptualise disasters in their daily lives, there is limited research into portrayals of disasters within popular culture. Instead, such video games require better integration within the museum's environment and educational disaster displays to encourage and foster the participation of museum visitors in learning about disaster and DRR through multiple mediums.ĭisasters, associated with both natural and anthropogenic hazards, are increasingly popular themes for video games, which reflects the cultural dimensions of disasters in society. Ultimately, it is demonstrated that the use of ‘serious’ disaster video games, such as QSH, cannot be a stand-alone item for the purpose of learning within a museum space. The research findings and associated discussion considers the potential of QSH to build disaster awareness based upon participants' gameplay.

This research was undertaken in two New Zealand museums (Te Papa in Wellington and Quake City in Christchurch) which housed the disaster video game Quake Safe House (QSH). The theoretical background of this study draws on various scholarships from video game research, constructivist learning theory, and the museum learning environment. It contributes not only towards a better understanding of disasters within popular culture but also in fostering greater museum visitor participation in learning about disaster and disaster risk reduction (DRR). This paper provides valuable insights into the use of disaster video games in museums.

Is megasync safe for games