Valkyria Chronicles 4: Counterfactual Narratives, Memory-Making, and Pseudo-History in Video Games

2024 | Dissertation

by ZHANG Boyan

Introduction

This dissertation examines the video game Valkyria Chronicles 4 (2018) as a significant text for exploring how games engage with historical memory, cultural trauma, and counterfactual storytelling in contemporary Japan. The study focuses on how the game reinterprets Japan’s wartime past, particularly the Pacific theater of World War II, through a fictional setting. The research investigates how the Valkyria Chronicles game series employs counterfactual storytelling and selective authenticity to create a “safe distance” for Japanese players to confront difficult aspects of their national history. In short, the study demonstrates how video games can contribute to the criticism and the formation of discourse about cultural memory and national identity, while exploring their potential as a medium for engaging with complex historical and cultural issues.

If interested, you may read Boyan’s Dissertation here.

Experience at MALCS

The most valuable skill I acquired during my time in the MALCS program is the ability to independently plan and conduct research in the humanities. After completing my undergraduate studies, I realized that research methodology was a weak area for me. To address this, I chose to pursue a master’s degree at MALCS. Nearly all of the courses in our program culminate in independent research assignments, offering a high degree of flexibility in topic selection. Professors actively encourage students to explore their interests within the scope of the course content and provide continuous support. In particular, the courses “CLIT7020 Introduction to Research Methods” and “CLIT7012 Dissertation Seminar” gave me the opportunity to begin researching topics I was passionate about from scratch, with ongoing guidance from my supervisor and other highly specialized faculty members.

Although the MALCS program is only one year long, it is highly intensive. The professors and the entire team make a concerted effort to broaden the scope of the program, offering a comprehensive and diverse range of content within the field of “cultural and film studies”. I gained everything I hoped for during my time in the program, and I wish you all a fulfilling and successful year ahead!


Image credits:
(1) Image from Valkyria Chronicles 4