In a world where you have children inundated with toys, gadgets, and interactive computer and video games, one is often questioning if these games are really a good idea for your adolescent children. Games like Grand Theft Auto, only teach children violence and disrespect, and in a world of endless violence in the games industry many where left to wonder if the phenomenon would ever end. It appears now that there is light in the darkness as “serious games” are beginning to hit the market.
Games that teach about current events, and political conflict are the new bread of high tech toys out there for kids. Even the UN has gotten on board with the gaming industry with the game Food Force, which is seen as one of the most successful political games. “The game is distributed free of charge by the UN World Food Program and is not meant to shake people awake by means of shock effects; rather, it is designed to offer insight into the complex world of famine relief. The player's task is to reduce food scarcity on a fictitious island — despite financial bottlenecks, enemy rebels and numerous practical constraints. (Games Industry Discovers Gitmo, Hunger and Other Serious Issues)”. Later this month, a new 3D strategy game “Global Conflicts: Palestine,” comes out, the game has the player role playing as a journalist, doing research in Israel and the Palestinian territories.
It appears that these games with a political message, will only be increasing in the future, and that new serious games could be the way forward. The conference Games for Change, held this past June in New York, is now in its fourth year, was established to bring organizations and developers together to create nontraditional games that promote social change. Members include those in the gaming industry, academia, nonprofits, local and state governments, foundations, the UN and artists.
Links to games and background information:
Information about ” Virtual Gitmo”
“Gone Gitmo” in Second Life or teleport to “IML” (Institute for Media Literacy)
Background about “Gone Gitmo” from the Annenberg School of Law
Animated film about “Gone Gitmo”
Background information about the conference ” Games for Change”
“Darfur is Dying,” a game produced by the University of Southern California and sponsored by Reebok and MTV
“Food Force” — a game produced by the World Food Organization
