Video Games To Become Classroom Regulars, Starting With ‘Civilization V’

Although it can be argued that the “Civilization” franchise is not the most historically accurate video game series with a historical setting, many of the latest versions have been getting better at simulating empire-building without losing their fun and entertaining elements. In a bid to get students more engaged in history and to refine their intellectual capabilities, a modified version of “Civilization V” is in the works that will be distributed to high school classrooms throughout North America.

“Take-Two Interactive,” the publisher of the series, announced that the modified version of their “Civilization” V simulation game will be made available this fall, according to The Verge. Supposedly, the game will be called “CivilizationEdu,” and it is meant to improve the strategic and critical-thinking capabilities of students.

The experience is also intended to provide students with experience in managing resources and showing them the consequences of blunders when it comes to their choices in terms of technology, economics, and even geography. Since this version of the game is essentially an educational tool, the publisher is also partnering with a company called “GlassLab” in order to add features to the game that will allow teachers to track the progress that their students are making in the game. There will even be lesson plans and tutorial videos included.

“GlassLab” has also been developing its own line of educational video games, which made it a good choice for “Take-Two Interactive” to partner with. This makes “Civilization” the latest in the string of video games adapted for educational uses, with other major titles including “Minecraft.”

As successful as “Civilization” V has been, it seems the developers want to change things up with the next addition in the series. According to Daily News, “Firaxis Games” will be making “Civilization VI” more colorful, be more micromanagement-oriented, and feature improved visuals. These changes are meant to get players more engaged and to zoom in where the action is.