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The Alternate History tag refers to a concept and genre commonly found in various forms of media, including video games. It involves creating a fictional narrative or setting that deviates from the known historical timeline. Alternate history games explore what could have happened if certain events, decisions, or circumstances had unfolded differently in the past.

Alternate history often poses questions like "What if?" and imagines alternative outcomes to pivotal historical moments, such as wars, political movements, scientific discoveries, or cultural shifts. These games play with ideas of how the world might have developed in different ways.

In video games with an alternate history theme:

• Setting The game's universe is built upon a modified version of real-world history, incorporating changes and differences caused by fictional events or situations. This altered timeline may result in significant differences from our own world.
• Narrative Alternate history games typically feature storylines that explore the consequences of these changes on individuals, nations, societies, or even entire civilizations. Players may be thrust into roles of key figures who shaped the alternate reality.
• Cultural and Technological Shifts The altered timeline often influences cultural norms, technological advancements (or lack thereof), political landscapes, international relations; essentially every aspect of society can be affected.

Examples of popular games featuring an alternate history theme include:

• BioShock Infinite This first-person shooter game is set in an alternate 1912 where Columbia—a city floating high above Earth—represents a distorted American exceptionalism.
• Wolfenstein series These games take place in an alternate world where the Nazis won World War II, leading to a dystopian regime ruling over various regions.
• Valkyria Chronicles Set in an alternate version of Europe during the 1930s, this tactical role-playing game explores a fictional war between two nations and their use of advanced technology.

Alternate history games provide players with the opportunity to explore intriguing "what if?" scenarios, challenge preconceptions about history, and engage with narratives that offer new perspectives on familiar events.

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