Skabma - The challenges of bringing in Sami mythology into the video game format

Summary

This presentation from Mariana Renan of Red Stage Entertainment introduces their first video game, 'Scott Ma: Polar Night,' which explores the indigenous Sami mythology. The Sami people, native to northern Europe, have a rich culture with endangered languages and stories. The team discusses the challenges of representing Sami traditions in gaming, avoiding cultural stereotypes, and creating a respectful yet innovative portrayal. The game incorporates elements like Sami clothing, mythology, and shamanism while balancing between cultural preservation and creativity. Feedback from the Sami community has been positive, especially from the younger generation.

Takeaways

• 🎮 Red Stage Entertainment is a gaming company from Tampa specializing in creative storytelling and video games.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 The company was founded by three people, including Mariana Renan, the CEO, and they are developing their first game, 'Scott Ma Polar Night,' based on Sami mythology.
• 🌍 The Sami people are the only indigenous people in the European Union, living in regions of Russia, Finland, Sweden, and Norway, with an estimated population of 100,000.
• 🧥 The game design includes Sami clothing, which carries significant cultural information about a person's family, marital status, and origins, requiring careful attention to avoid cultural missteps.
• 📚 There are limited resources on Sami mythology, making the development challenging. Much of the written history comes from external sources like explorers or priests.
• 🦸‍♂️ Characters from Sami mythology, like Stalo, vary widely across regions, which makes designing a consistent narrative and characters for the game a creative challenge.
• 🎨 To address these inconsistencies, the game developers are building a new world that integrates different elements of Sami mythology in a cohesive way.
• 🥁 Sami shamanism and the use of shamanic drums are incorporated as key game mechanics, as the drum was historically used by shamans to heal, battle, and travel between worlds.
• 🔄 The team is constantly engaging with the Sami community to ensure the game reflects their stories and avoids cultural appropriation, respecting taboos while modernizing elements.
• ✨ The project aims to preserve and evolve Sami storytelling traditions, reaching younger generations through the versatile medium of video games.

Q & A

What company is giving the presentation and what is their focus?

The presentation is from Red Stage Entertainment, a gaming company based in Tampa. They specialize in creative storytelling and video games.

What is the name of the game they are developing and what mythology does it explore?

The game they are developing is called 'Scott ma Polar Night,' and it explores indigenous Sami mythologies.

Who are the Sami people and where do they live?

The Sami are the only indigenous people inside the European Union, living in the far northern parts of Russia, Finland, Sweden, and Norway. There are about 100,000 Sami, speaking nine different endangered languages.

What were some of the challenges mentioned in representing Sami culture accurately in the game?

Some challenges included avoiding cultural stereotypes, accurately representing traditional Sami clothing (such as avoiding mismatched men's and women's clothing), and navigating the limited and varied information about Sami mythology.

Why is it difficult to find accurate information about Sami mythology?

There are few books written about Sami mythology, and much of the knowledge is fading. Historically, most information about Sami culture was written by outsiders, such as explorers and priests, who often had a patronizing view.

How did the developers address the conflicting versions of Sami stories and characters in their game?

They created a new world and storyline, selecting different versions of stories and characters that fit into their game's narrative. This allowed them to creatively adapt the mythology while staying respectful to its roots.

How did the developers use the concept of shamanism in the game?

Shamanism was incorporated into the game mechanics, particularly through the use of the shaman's drum, which was traditionally used for spiritual travel and healing. The drum became a key tool for gameplay, allowing interaction with the spirit world.

How did the Sami community react to the development of the game?

The younger generation of Sami people were excited and supportive of the game. However, there were also many questions and concerns about cultural appropriation, which the developers addressed carefully.

Are there any restrictions on what can be included in the game due to Sami culture?

Yes, there are taboos in Sami culture that the developers respect, and they avoid including these in the game. They face challenges in balancing tradition with creating something new and respectful.

What kind of gameplay can players expect from 'Scott ma Polar Night'?

The game will feature puzzles and combat, with elements like the shaman's drum introducing rhythmic gameplay. There will be boss battles and enemies, creating a mix of adventure, exploration, and traditional storytelling.