Reflective design of the heritage computer game Les lumières de Val-Jalbert using culturally significant presence

In this work-in-progress paper, we present a reflective design account of the heritage computer game Les lumières de Val-Jalbert (The Lights of Val-Jalbert), currently in development. A part of our research-creation project, this realistic 3D game seeks to offer an engaging, interactive pre-visit experience of the Val-Jalbert Historical Village as it was in 1959, an abandoned ghost town. The design draws on historical facts, testimonials, and faithful references to the real site, alongside the authors’ interpretation. Employing Champion’s theory of “culturally significant presence”, we analyse the first-iteration design of the narrative, visuals, and projected experience to guide future development and contribute to discussions on digital and virtual gamification in cultural heritage.