THE ARCHAEOGAMING CONFERENCE
The ArchaeoGaming Conference (AGCon) is an annual virtual conference hosted by the ArchaeoGaming Collective (AGC), bringing together researchers, students, game developers, heritage professionals, and gaming enthusiasts to explore the intersections of archaeology and games. Through presentations, panels, discussions, and community events, AGCon provides an accessible space to share research, examine how archaeology is represented and interpreted through gaming, and foster connections between academic and public audiences. The conference is free to attend and welcomes participants from around the world!
After a four-year hiatus, we are excited to return with our first-ever conference theme, Remastering Archaeology. In an era bursting with fresh takes on classic games, remakes and remasters invite us to reconsider questions of preservation, authenticity, memory, and change. What is gained, lost, or transformed when games are revisited for new audiences? Together we will explore new research, gather for group shenanigans, and showcase dynamic panels exploring the intersection between games and archaeology.
While this year’s theme offers a framing for discussion, submissions are not required to engage with it. We welcome presentations, panels, workshops, and other contributions that explore archaeogaming, archaeology in games, game-based heritage interpretation, and other related topics. The Call for Papers is open until August 16, and the conference is scheduled for the weekend of October 24, 2026.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM AGCON?
AGCon offers diverse presentation formats to suit a wide range of topics and engagement styles.
Presentations will be available in the following formats:
- Seminar Presentations
- Discussion Panels
- Interviews
- Gameplay Demos
- Game Streaming with Commentary
GAME STREAMING WITH COMMENTARY
Game Streaming with Commentary allows participants to showcase either live or prerecorded gameplay from video games or tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs), with accompanying commentary. The commentary should primarily focus on archaeological themes and archaeogaming concepts, though there is flexibility to explore broader topics of discussion. We encourage participants to have fun with this format and to bring their unique streaming style to the table, offering an opportunity to connect with a new audience. This format provides an engaging platform for discussing how games intersect with archaeology and cultural heritage.
SEMINAR PRESENTATIONS
Seminars are structured lecture-style presentations that offer an opportunity to explore topics in-depth, focusing on archaeological themes, archaeogaming concepts, or other related subjects. These sessions, whether livestreamed or prerecorded, should convey detailed information in a clear, engaging, and accessible manner, ensuring relevance to both professionals and the general public. Presenters should prioritize clarity and education, with Q&A sessions encouraged to foster interaction and deepen the discussion.
DISCUSSION PANELS
Discussion Panels bring together multiple speakers to explore a specific topic in-depth. These panels provide an opportunity for conversation, critical reflection, and audience engagement. Moderators will be available to guide the discussion and facilitate audience interaction. Panels can be livestreamed or prerecorded, and prerecorded panels should include a live audience for Q&A.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews offer a focused, one-on-one format for in-depth conversation. Whether livestreamed or prerecorded, these sessions provide an opportunity for insightful discussions with individuals who have unique expertise or experiences to share. While Q&A is encouraged, it is not mandatory. An interviewer will be available upon request to guide the session.
DEMOS
Gameplay Demos are designed to showcase games through interactive "how-to" sessions, "build with me" demonstrations, or other formats that highlight gameplay mechanics and design. These sessions provide an opportunity for the audience to engage with the game in a hands-on way, learning directly from the developers or presenters.
Game developers are also invited to present early builds of their games to offer a preview of upcoming projects.
Game developers are also invited to present early builds of their games to offer a preview of upcoming projects.
Any proceeds generated from this event will go toward collectively selected charitable organizations.