According to Heritage Watch, a collaborative NGO based
in Cambodia which is active in archaeological salvage
work, village outreach and education, the looting of
archaeological sites in Cambodia has now reached “epic
proportions.” Although increased security and tourism
provide protection to the famous historic-period monuments
of the Khmer Empire, the sites and vestiges of
Cambodia’s prehistoric past, especially Bronze Age and
Iron Age (c. 3500-1500 BP) burial mounds located in
northeastern provinces, are increasingly under threat.
Perceived economic incentive and coercion of local
villagers by duplicitous “middle-men” seeking inflated
profits from the international black market begin the
antiquities trade. The overall lack of awareness of the
significance of these sites amongst both locals and foreign
visitors, and the lack of appreciation of the importance
of accurate archaeological excavations for understanding
the past, keep the trade active. However, in
recent years many new laws, projects, and outreach
campaigns have begun to be implemented; most of which
showing initial promise. Nevertheless, the fight against
looting in Cambodia remains an uphill battle, and the
active creation and implementation of projects which take
full advantage of current technologies are still required.
This paper will describe one such project: the ongoing
design and construction of an educational computer game
called Looter! Available in both Khmer and English, the
game brings together 2D and 3D art and animation, upto-
date archaeological knowledge, and easily accessible
game play formats. Through introductory and interstitial
animated “cut-scenes” to set the premise, and two levels
of game play, the player will not only begin to understand
what is known about Cambodia’s late prehistory but will
also comprehend the damage that looting does to all
involved, and conversely, the benefits to be gained from
scientifically sound excavation. The paper will discuss the
game so far, its context, background and planned applications.
