boomsatsuma Students Make History - Literally

boomsatsuma Students Make History - Literally

As part of an ambitious digital heritage project, Venture Studio - boomsatsuma’s creative technology incubator - has successfully recreated Hadrian’s Wall as it stood in 180 AD. Combining cutting-edge game technology with historical research and heritage expertise, students and experts built an immersive experience for Microsoft Flight Simulator, offering a meticulously crafted replica of this ancient landscape.

This groundbreaking project introduces an entirely new way to experience history, bringing the past to life with great accuracy.

This project is the result of a unique collaboration between boomsatsuma’s Venture Studio and Time Machine Designs with support from North East Museums. Using the latest in 3D modeling, historical research and game development the team accurately positioned milecastles, forts, turrets and watchtowers along the wall’s original route. Recent archaeological findings - including a newly discovered turret - helped shape the reconstruction, ensuring it is the most accurate digital representation of Hadrian’s Wall to date.

Students Shaping the Future of Digital Heritage

For students and graduates, this project was a chance to apply their skills in a real-world commercial studio. Eight talented individuals, both current and alumni boomsatsuma students, took on key roles in research, design and development, contributing as 3D modelers, production managers and designers. This hands-on experience not only honed their skills but also allowed them to work on this groundbreaking project, preparing them for the demands of the creative industry.

Dylan Fowler, a former boomsatsuma college and degree student, shared his experience:

“Working on Hadrian’s Wall 180AD has been incredible. It allowed me to apply my skills to a real-world project, combining my passion for history and technology. Having started at boomsatsuma college and then gained my degree here, it’s immensely valuable to now have experience in a commercial studio.”

Venture Studio provides students and recent graduates with a rare opportunity to gain hands-on industry experience while working on groundbreaking projects that bridge education, technology and heritage.

What’s Next for Venture Studio?

Building on the success of Hadrian’s Wall 180AD, Venture Studio is already developing new historical reconstructions, including:

  • The Theatre of Dionysus (Athens, 5th century BCE) – A research project with academic Dr. Victoria Rooney.
  • Worlebury Iron Age Hillfort – A new digital reconstruction commissioned by Weston-super-Mare Town Council for a heritage trail.

Fly Through the Past—Available Now

History enthusiasts and Microsoft Flight Simulator pilots can now experience Hadrian’s Wall 180AD firsthand. The add-on is available for purchase within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and through Time Machine Designs.

Find out more about Venture Studio and Hadrian’s Wall 180AD.