Saving the world, a video game at a time+

We wrote a couple of years ago for a real paper magazine purpose that the future is in video games. Just look at the US Army already got the word. They’ve been contracting some video games companies to dish new Counter Strike update missions. In this army case, the best kids are doing at those games, the more hooked they could become about real-life problems, and the more of them will turn to army recruiters.

But let’s connect the dots another way. The more kids are playing SimCity and Civilization, the better they will understand city air pollution or why a good city policy could fail.

Despites one could argue those sub-life simulation are just good for those who play Judy dolls, they’re very helpful to stimulate kids’ minds. And challenge their imagination to find better approach and alternatives to our current ambiguous problems.

And if you want to play “persuasive games,” you could now, and more and more. The NY Times, which jumps on the topic today, gives two: Peacemaker, Darfur Is Dying game. The first is to cool down hot war zones, and the second gives a tiny snapshot of what the daily life of Darfur residents might look like.

To the list, we just add this reference to Food Force, a simulation in real-time video game sponsored by the UN World Food Programme. You’re at the head of a logistic squad. Your mission is to settle a refugee, natural disaster victims base camp and find the best organization to feed and secure everyone. Give it a try, it’s fun too.