In a historical decision, Poland has added the survival simulator game This War of Mine to its schools' official reading list, marking the first time a video game has been formally included as curriculum for a school system. The game is currently free to students in Poland that are studying Sociology, Ethics, Philosophy, and History.
Poland's prime minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, has a very forward thinking opinion on video games like This War of Mine, claiming that in reality they are no different from books. Both forms of entertainment are used to escape from the present and experience stories told by the author or the developer.
The use of video games in education is by no means a new concept, but this is the first time that such a thing has ever been formally condoned. It also says a lot about This War of Mine, as its thoughtful and introspective tones have given it this opportunity.
Whether or not this becomes a trend in education remains to be seen, but it would be very cool to see more video games included in education and, on the flip side, more video games take an educational route. There are already plenty of other games like Assassin's Creed and the like that have great educational value.
This War of Mine is available now on Mobile, PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
Source: IGN
