Summary
Some people look at video games as the enemy of a good education. They take away a lot of time that could be used studying or practicing a skill. However, there’s nothing wrong with playing video games during one’s free time.
Additionally, some of these games might still end up teaching players something. The titles below are still all about entertainment, but they offer something of value as a small educational tool. This list is about games where learning comes secondary and as a surprise to the audience, so there will not be any titles whose main focus is teaching players.
While these games can provide good info and practice, it is always beneficial to do research using trusted sources and practicing under the tutelage of professionals.
TheMetal Gearseriestakes place in an alternate history that differs from the real world in a few key places. The game still uses historical events as the backdrop to some of its titles, particularly inThe Phantom Pain, which takes place during the Soviet-Afghan War.
Unless gamers grew up in Eastern Europe or are big fans ofRambo 3, they might never have realized such a brutal war took place there in the 1980s. Other games in the franchise like to divulge information about the weapons and equipment players usethrough the Codecconversations.
EveryAssassin’s Creedtitletakes place during a certain historical period, and players even meet up with various historical figures on their journeys. They might vary slightly from who they were in real life, but the game still does a decent job of letting players know why they are important.
Later games in the series turn the world into a virtual museum and allow players to explore the environment and more deeply study the setting. It is ultimately surprising to know that a science fiction series has done more to teach about history than a lot of other triple-A gaming brands.
5The Oregon Trail
Learn How Hard Life On The Frontier Was
The Oregon Trailis unique for two reasons. For one, it is by far the oldest game on this list, having been first made in 1971. Secondly, it was made as a teaching tool and was designed to show kids what early life as a pioneer in the United States was like. A lot of this might get lost in the actual entertainment value of the game, though.
Either that or adapting the pioneer life to a game format just works so well because it has so much of what makes a video game interesting. There is resource management, surprising unpredictability, and a clear goal where each step of progress feels rewarding.
Most of theskills in rhythm gameslikeGuitar HeroandRock Banddo not translate to real-life musicianship. Drumming, at least, might help players develop rhythm and become familiar with drum beats, but without proper instruction, players might develop poor technique. That said, it is more than possible to train one’s singing voice through certain video games.
The game monitors pitch and will tell players if they are singing too sharp (too high) or too flat (too low). With three microphones, players can even harmonize on tracks together and be judged on their accuracy. There is so much more to singing than simply hitting the notes, such as breathing technique, tone, phrasing, and dynamics, but it is certainly a good start.
Singing with too much tension or pushing one’s voice outside a comfortable range for too long without the proper technique and warmup can do more harm to the voice than good. Anyone serious about learning how to sing should use proper resources and consider private lessons.
When one hears the word simulation, they probably assume the game is only for the most ardent lovers of a particular hobby or activity.Kerbal Space Programbreaks this mold by balancing the space simulation aspects with a welcoming aesthetic and accessibility.
The game’s recreation of the solar system is accurate, and some of the missions are ripped directly from history. Becoming an actual rocket scientist or an astronaut is extraordinarily difficult, butKerbal Space Programcan at least get one acquainted with the ideas behind space travel.
2Typing Of The Dead
Learn How To Type Quickly
For younger people, it is easy to take for granted the ability to type efficiently. It is something most people in their early thirties and under grew up with. Some still might remember those typing classes where they were taught proper finger placement on the keyboard. While those lessons may have been boring to some, others may appreciate how well they prepare them forTyping of the Dead, a typing spin-off ofHouse of the Dead.
Instead of aiming a reticle at zombies, players have to type words as fast as possible to prevent them from eating brains. While a perfect match for Windows, the game started life in Arcades before being ported to PCs and the Dreamcast.
1Rocksmith
Learn How To Play The Guitar
Rocksmithtakes the rhythm genreto a whole new level and uses a real electric guitar as the peripheral. The game’s interface replicates exactly how to play each song on guitar in real life.Rock Band 3had a pro guitar mode with six strings and multiple frets, but that peripheral was still a toy and not a real guitar.
It does not deconstruct how the songs work or teach players music theory, but it is a good start and will still have players playing these songs on an actual musical instrument. The next step would be to get some friends together and start a band.
