When collecting oral histories and first-person testimonies of diverse experiences in games, it is tempting to try to form grand theories. Isn't that how we turn data into information; finding patterns and trends? This talk aims to problematise that urge to theorise, arguing that traditional historical methodologies can often be coercive. Zoya Street shares some early developments in his independent practice, reflecting on the challenges and benefits of embracing messiness.

1. Complexities and chaos
in community histories
Zoya Street
zoyastreet.com
@rupazero

2. I don’t know anything
Zoya Street
zoyastreet.com
@rupazero

3. We are not experiments
history is not science
Zoya Street
zoyastreet.com
@rupazero

4. Personal accounts
resist generalisations
Zoya Street
zoyastreet.com
@rupazero

5. Historians are thieves
stealing others’ stories
Zoya Street
zoyastreet.com
@rupazero

6. Community Histories
Kiveton Park and Wales
Zoya Street
zoyastreet.com
@rupazero

7. Public histories
Chicago historical society
Zoya Street
zoyastreet.com
@rupazero

8. Local/folk museums
Imitation castle optional
Zoya Street
zoyastreet.com
@rupazero

9. The spoils of history
Heritage is “domesticating the
past ... enlisting it” — David Lowenthal
Zoya Street
zoyastreet.com
@rupazero

10. This is a total mess!
“Events exceed our capacity
to know them” — John Law
Zoya Street
zoyastreet.com
@rupazero

11. Assembly required
“...realities depend upon their
continued crafting”
— John Law reading Annemarie Mol, Judith Butler etc.
Zoya Street
zoyastreet.com
@rupazero