The Windscale Fire: A Forgotten Nuclear Disaster Brought Back to Life by Atomfall
As we reflect on the devastating nuclear disasters that have shaped our world, one name often goes unmentioned: Windscale. Located in Cumbria, England, the Windscale fire was one of the world’s first nuclear accidents, and yet, it remains relatively unknown. That is, until the release of Atomfall, a new video game from Oxford-based Rebellion that brings this forgotten disaster back into the spotlight.
A Nuclear Accident in the Making
On October 10, 1957, a nuclear reactor at the Windscale site caught fire, releasing radioactive material into the atmosphere. The disaster was kept quiet for decades, and it’s no wonder that many people, including locals, are unaware of its significance. According to Jason Kingsley, CEO of Rebellion, the Windscale fire was “very serious” but didn’t cause the kind of catastrophic consequences we’ve seen in other nuclear disasters.
A Game-Changing Approach
Atomfall is a survival action game set in the beautiful Lake District, but with a twist. The game takes place on an alternative sci-fi inspired timeline where the area surrounding the plant has become a quarantine zone. By using the real-life Windscale story as a trigger point for a fictionalized version of the disaster, Rebellion has created a unique and captivating game that’s both a tribute to the area and a commentary on the consequences of nuclear power.
A Local’s Perspective
For Hannah Roberts and Harry Howson, indie game developers from Cumbria, the game has brought a new level of awareness to the Windscale disaster. They’re excited to see a game set in their hometown, and they’re impressed by the attention to detail that Rebellion has brought to the project. From the accurate environments to the inclusion of local traditions like Morris dancing, it’s clear that the developers have done their research.
Breaking the Mold
Atomfall is a rare example of a high-profile game set outside of London. While indie games have ventured further north, bigger games tend to stick to the M25. Rebellion’s willingness to take a risk and set their game in Cumbria is a testament to the power of independent game development. As Jason Kingsley notes, “The UK, I think, to understand certain aspects of our culture, you’ve got to dig into it a little bit because we tend to understate things quite a lot.”
Soft Power and Local Pride
The impact of Atomfall goes beyond just the game itself. By featuring a local area in a film or TV show, you can expose a new audience to that place. As Jason Kingsley notes, “Ultimately, what’s incredibly rewarding about this industry is you can put your ideas down and they can be played by people across the globe.” Oliver Hodgson, a local resident who can see Sellafield from his bedroom window, hopes that the game will bring some of that soft power to his community.
Conclusion
The Windscale fire may be a forgotten chapter in the history of nuclear disasters, but Atomfall is bringing it back to life. By using the real-life story as a trigger point for a fictionalized version of the disaster, Rebellion has created a unique and captivating game that’s both a tribute to the area and a commentary on the consequences of nuclear power. As we look to the future of game development, it’s clear that there’s a growing appetite for games that showcase the beauty and diversity of the UK. Atomfall is a game that’s not only a testament to the power of independent game development but also a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.