Isonzo: War Video Games as Educational Tools?

The article examines the educational potential of war video games through the lens of Isonzo, a 2022 WW1 Game Series title by BlackMill Games and M2H set on the Italian front. It recounts a gameplay session where players shouted anachronistic fascist slogans, highlighting the game's appeal to hardcore gamers and far-right communities. Jos Hoebe, founder of BlackMill Games, discussed the historical research behind Isonzo at the IVIPRO Days 2023 event, emphasizing that gameplay priority drives map and battle selection. The game sparked controversy when the Panozzo family, owners of Forte Corbin, objected to its unauthorized digital reproduction in the game, accusing the studio of deceptive site visits. Ilaria Panozzo stated they dropped legal action but felt betrayed. The article contrasts this with earlier criticism of Battlefield 1 by the Associazione Nazionale Alpini and Veneto president Luca Zaia, who deemed war games disrespectful to sacred sites. Historian Antonio Brusa argued such games can reenact and reinterpret history. The piece concludes that Isonzo is a stylized representation, not a reproduction, and questions whether its mechanics serve education or entertainment.