Pieter J.B.J. Van den Heede

Pieter J.B.J. Van den Heede is a Lecturer and Researcher at the Department of History, Erasmus University Rotterdam. His work focuses on digital games' representation of violent conflict and their role in historical learning. Key research areas include cultural memory, ludonarrative analysis, and the interplay between historical narratives and gaming.

He specializes in analyzing how digital entertainment games reconfigure historical discourses, particularly regarding the Second World War. His 2023 article on The Saboteur examines the game's portrayal of Nazi-occupied France, highlighting its romanticized resistance narratives and alignment with postwar cultural memory. His 2020 study explores game paratextuality and its impact on historical engagement.

Van den Heede’s research bridges media studies and history, emphasizing the role of video games as mnemonic tools. His work critiques ludic designs that oversimplify historical realities while acknowledging their potential to foster public historical awareness.