Chernobylite: A Light in the Exclusion Zone

The accident involving the Chernobyl nuclear power plant has become fodder for TV programs, movies, books, and video games. But the question must be asked, how accurate are these mediums to the accident and area that they portray? The Chernobyl accident not only led to the deaths of thousands of people and displaced thousands of others, but it permanently impacted the environment around the town of Pripyat and the surrounding areas. This area is known as the exclusion zone and is still restricted today, due to the high levels of radiation. One game that does its best to accurately depict the environmental changes of the exclusion zone is Chernobylite. While having fictional elements, the team creating the game conducted 3D imaging of the exclusion zone, allowing players to view the exclusion zone without traveling to Ukraine. This chapter examines how games are being used in academic studies; the history of Chernobyl and the environmental impact of the actual event; the portrayal of Chernobyl in games and media in recent years; and what Chernobylite does differently than its predecessors. By doing so, it is possible to see how Chernobylite has indeed shed a new light in the exclusion zone.