Wednesday, April 7, 2010

What's the Game Deal?!?


Alright, so we all know how much time kids spend on the internet and playing video games; why hasn't anyone developed any decent video games for the students that use them most, high schoolers?!? I go to class and I hear the younger college students talk about the new God of War video game or Medal of Honor or whatever the new fad is but I don't understand why someone hasn't come up with something that is of the same quality but actually TEACHES you something!!!

Sure, you've got your cute little math games and obviously your language arts games but how bout something a little more interesting? What wouldn't be interesting about a Lewis and Clark Expedition game? Heck, call it something else so that students don't know that they're actually learning something productive when they have to figure out a way to traverse a river, climb a mountain, or risk life and limb fighting the indigenous wildlife.

I honestly believe there could be quite a market for something like this. All I ever hear about are bloody war games or fantasy games when I enter my classes. Think of the possibilities of a historically accurate Civil War or World War II game; I can think of few things more graphic. Perhaps a Napoleonic game as you play Napoleon rising to power, having to escape Elba only to be defeated again.

Instead, we have games like THIS!!! Now what 17 year old kid is going to be interested in anything even remotely similar to these games? "Secrets of the Vatican"? Seriously!

Now, on the other hand, the History Channel has some games that have potential. They have to be downloaded onto your computer and they are huge files but there is some definite potential there. The graphics aren't bad and the sound is decent however, the controls are a bit touchy but who cares?!? If there is some educational value there, use it.

But, I digress. With all the money made on video gaming and the lack of money in the education system, especially now, I just find it difficult to understand why some big video game company isn't looking more into it. Heck, the military is using it. Check out this game developed by Rebellion and funded by the Army National Guard. It's called Prism and I bet that any kid interested in the military would love it. And of course, the militia gets more money than education does. Oops, I better digress again.

Alright everyone, it's a beautiful sunny Monday morning, you all have a tremendous day and I'll keep searching for that perfect video game to use in my classroom.

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