ABSTRACT
This chapter examines performance through role-playing, an important concept of medievalism, yet under-studied in its function as a form of adaptation, particularly with historical medieval games. It analyses three medieval games and their approaches in adapting England for a digital game audience through their particular style of combining historical authenticity, game design, and gameplay. These three games are Medieval II: Total War Kingdoms, War of the, and Expeditions: Vikings. By explaining these medieval games’ approaches to adapting medieval England, the chapter discusses how their approaches incorporate medievalism and role-playing by using Daniel T. Kline’s concept of “participatory medievalism” as an emergent-based theory of adaptation in medieval games. The combat mechanics in War of the Roses further authenticates the player’s role-play adaptation of the history of England through medieval fighting by its style of one-on-one duels with another opponent during the game matches.
