US schools set to adopt strategy game Civilization V to show, not tell, history lessons
Civilization V is a strategy game that sees players take up control of a nation and lead it to global supremacy adopting differing ideologies, using diplomacy, trade, war or the pursuit of knowledge - now US schools are set to bring it to classrooms, under the belief that its interactive experience will engage and educate kids.
Civilisation V
Developer Take-Two Interactive Software announced a partnership with non-profit GlassLab Inc to bring a version of the game to US schools in 2017.
Having sold eight million copies and built a loyal fan base hooked on its complicated but ultimately compelling strategy elements, special edition CivilizationEDU will be task children with pursuing logical maneuverers and wider strategy, leading thier civilisation from the cradle of man into the distant future.
Teachers will have access to an online dashboard which will document how well each student is progressing through the game, offering a versatile and engaging learning experience, with lessons relating to historical, geographical and societal developments.
“We are incredibly proud to lend one of our industry’s most beloved series to educators to use as a resource to inspire and engage students further,” said Strauss Zelnick, chairman and chief executive of Take-Two.
“Civilization has challenged millions of people around the world to revisit and experience history, pursue boldly exploration, and create their own societies based on their passions and freedom of choice. I can’t think of a better interactive experience to help challenge and shape the minds of tomorrow’s leaders.”
“For the past 25 years, we’ve found that one of the fun secrets of Civilization is learning while you play,” added Sid Meier, founder and director of creative development at Firaxis Games. “We’ve always focused on entertainment first, but we believe that our players – young and old – enjoy learning, even if they don’t always enjoy education.
“Civilization players find fun in discovering new civilizations, running into famous historical leaders, and charting their own version of human history. Along the way, players learn valuable lessons from their success and failures and are able to try again, employing different choices and strategies. We’re absolutely thrilled to be partnering with GlassLab and I am excited to see CivilizationEDU in classrooms next year.”