Gaming Research - Archaeogaming Education

Save Ancient Studies Alliance (SASA)

Volunteer Position | Fully Remote | Flexible Hours

Reports to: AEM Team Lead

Expected Commitment: Approximately 5-10 hours per week (varies)

About SASA

The Save Ancient Studies Alliance (SASA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to education about the ancient world. Through educational programming, research, digital initiatives, and public outreach, SASA works to make Ancient Studies more accessible and engaging for students, educators, and the broader public.

About the Archaeogaming Education Program

SASA's Archaeogaming Education Program explores the intersection of video games, archaeology, and the ancient world. The program develops educational resources that use video games and interactive media to introduce students to ancient history, archaeology, culture, and society.

SASA's Archaeogaming Education Modules (AEMs) are designed for use in middle- and high-school classrooms, with the program preparing for expansion into undergraduate education. Each module combines research, lesson plans, visual materials, activities, and multimedia content to create engaging learning experiences.

Position Overview

SASA is seeking a Gaming Researcher to join the Archaeogaming Education team and contribute to the development of these innovative educational resources.

The Gaming Researcher will identify appropriate video games, play and evaluate selected titles, and capture high-quality gameplay footage that can be incorporated into AEMs. The researcher will work closely with the AEM Team Lead and other team members to ensure that game selections and visual materials support the educational objectives of each module.

The role also offers opportunities to contribute creatively to the development of educational materials, including visual graphics, classroom activities, and other multimedia resources.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in archaeogaming, digital humanities, archaeology, education, game studies, or public scholarship who wants to contribute to an innovative educational program.

Key Responsibilities

Gaming Research & Content Development

• • Identify video games that feature archaeological, historical, or ancient-world themes appropriate for educational use.
  • Play and evaluate selected games in accordance with AEM project requirements (a gaming computer may be available for loan if the candidate does not own one).
  • Identify gameplay sequences, environments, characters, mechanics, and other visual elements relevant to module content.
  • Research and document the historical, archaeological, and cultural context represented in selected games.
  • Collaborate with the AEM Team Lead to determine how gameplay footage can support specific educational objectives.
  • Maintain organized records of games, footage, research sources, and related project materials.

Video & Multimedia Production

• • Capture high-resolution gameplay footage for use in educational modules and related multimedia content.
  • Organize and catalog footage so that it can be efficiently incorporated into AEMs.
  • Perform basic video editing and prepare clips for use by the broader AEM team.
  • Assist with the development of visual graphics and other multimedia materials.
  • Help identify opportunities to make educational content more visually engaging and accessible.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• • Demonstrated knowledge of video games featuring archaeology, ancient history, or related themes.
  • Experience playing and evaluating video games with an understanding of how gameplay and visual elements can support educational content.
  • Ability to capture high-resolution gameplay footage.
  • Basic video editing and/or graphic design skills.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to efficiently manage and catalog digital media files.
  • Ability to complete assignments independently and within established deadlines.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Prompt and professional communication via Slack and email.
  • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a fully remote team.

Preferred Qualifications

The following are valued but not required:

• • Master's degree or advanced study in Education, Digital Humanities, Archaeology, Classics, Ancient Studies, Game Studies, or a related field.
  • Experience developing or teaching college-level curriculum.
  • Experience with public outreach, public humanities, or educational programming.
  • Experience with video production, streaming, or digital media.