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The Documentary tag refers to video games that fall under the genre of documentary or interactive documentary. These games use the medium of gaming to explore and present real-world events, stories, or topics in a format that is immersive and engaging for players.

In essence, documentary games strive to educate, inform, and create awareness by offering interactive experiences that combine elements of traditional documentaries with gameplay mechanics.

Some key characteristics of documentary games include:

• Educational Content Documentary games often aim to shed light on specific subjects or provide insights into historical events, social issues, scientific phenomena, or personal narratives. They offer players an opportunity to learn and broaden their understanding through gameplay.
• Factual Accuracy These games typically prioritize accuracy in their portrayal of real-world subjects. They may draw from extensive research, incorporate interviews with experts or witnesses, utilize archival footage, or present data in order to provide a well-rounded understanding of the topic at hand.
• Interactivity Unlike traditional documentaries where viewers are passive observers, documentary games allow players to actively participate and make choices that can influence the narrative, outcomes, or perspectives explored within the game. This interactive element contributes to player engagement and immersion.

Examples of successful documentary games include:

• Papers Please Developed by Lucas Pope; players assume the role of an immigration officer processing entry permits at a border crossing. Through gameplay mechanics such as inspecting documents and making decisions based on complex ruleset , it explores themes related to immigration policies and bureaucracy.
• This War Of Mine; Developed by 11 bit studios; It portrays the experiences of civilians trapped in a war-torn city, focusing on their survival and tough choices they need to make.
• 1979 Revolution: Black Friday; Developed by iNKStories; This game tells the story of the Iranian Revolution through the eyes of a young photojournalist. Players experience first-hand perspectives and decisions during historical events, drawing from eyewitness testimonies.

Documentary games provide an alternative way to engage with real-world issues using interactive storytelling and gameplay elements. They bridge the gap between education and entertainment, offering players thought-provoking experiences that delve into important topics.

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