Operabola – History can sometimes come across as a dry subject in the classroom. Memorizing dates and names of significant historical figures might be enough to stifle students’ enthusiasm for world history. However, this subject has the potential to be incredibly engaging, filled with pivotal events that resonate for centuries, charismatic leaders like Alexander the Great or Joan of Arc, and insights into long-lost cultures—it’s like material straight out of a blockbuster film.
For teachers who’ve found that playing movies like “Kingdom of Heaven” often leads to students lounging in the back rows, video games may present a more interactive medium. Unlike films, video games allow students to actively participate in the events. Making history tangible—this is what historically accurate video games promise. By engaging in these games, students can form their own opinions and connect facts in meaningful ways, rather than just memorizing them.
Of course, it’s important to distinguish: not every video game set in a historical context is suitable for the classroom. Many first-person shooters use World War II as a backdrop, but often focus more on gameplay than historical exploration. High-budget games like “Battlefield” may invest heavily in historical authenticity, accurately depicting uniforms and battlefields, but in the classroom, the emphasis tends to be more on gameplay mechanics than on the historical setting. Lessons that devolve into discussions about “kills” and weapon efficiency are unlikely to align with educational goals.
However, there are games designed with educational intent, aiming to make historical events more accessible. It’s crucial that such games also offer engaging gameplay—since a boring, unintuitive game is even less fun than a dull film. Below, we introduce six games that strike this balance perfectly:
1. Age of Empires 2
“Age of Empires 2” is a classic real-time strategy game developed by Microsoft Studios in 1999. It covers the period from the 5th to the 15th century, allowing players to control over 20 different, historically accurate civilizations—from the Maya to the Ottoman Empire and Southeast Asian kingdoms like Malaysia.
The educational value lies in its campaigns, where students can play through the lives of important historical figures and learn about the times and contexts they lived in. For example, players can accompany Saladin on his journey to become an Islamic ruler, unite French city-states as Joan of Arc, or follow Genghis Khan across the Mongolian steppes.
2. Europa Universalis
Similar to “Age of Empires,” the “Europa Universalis” series by Paradox Interactive puts students in charge of a civilization. However, these games are grand strategy, focusing more on maps and global diplomacy than individual units. This shift encourages players to consider economic stability, alliances, and the broader consequences of war.
The series is set in the early modern period, from the 14th to the 19th century, making it ideal for exploring topics like colonialism, GDP, or the intricacies of diplomatic negotiations.
3. This War of Mine
“This War of Mine,” developed by Polish studio 11 Bit Studios in 2014, offers a stark contrast. Players control civilians struggling to survive in a war-torn city, reflecting the grim reality of civilian life during the 20th century’s conflicts. This game serves both as a realistic depiction of war’s impact on everyday people and as a pacifist statement about the suffering war brings.
4. Attentat 1942
Even more intense is “Attentat 1942,” a point-and-click adventure by Charles Games. It covers the assassination of Nazi official Reinhard Heydrich during the German occupation of Czechoslovakia. Players experience the story through the eyes of those who lived through the events, combining archival material with interactive storytelling.
5. My Child Lebensborn
Set in the post-World War II era, “My Child Lebensborn” by Norwegian studio Teknopilot is a simulation game where players take on the role of adoptive parents to a child from the Nazi “Lebensborn” project. The game not only educates players about the harsh realities of post-war society but also sensitively handles themes of prejudice and trauma.
6. Papers, Please
Finally, “Papers, Please” by Lucas Pope puts players in the shoes of a border inspector in the fictional, totalitarian state of Arstotzka. The game challenges players with moral dilemmas, highlighting the complexities and ethical ambiguities of bureaucracy in a crisis.
These games are excellent tools for the classroom, each offering a unique way to bring historical events to life. Have you used any of these games in your teaching? Are there any games you’d add to this list? Let us know in the comments!