Enjoyment Beyond the Ordinary
In the world of educational gaming, there are a variety of games designed to help children learn foundational skills like reading, math, and creativity. However, when it comes to politics and democracy, such games are less common. This is where Paintbucket Games, a German game development company, steps in with their latest release, "Through the Darkest of Times."
This anti-fascist strategy game immerses players in the historical resistance against Nazi Germany, offering a profound educational experience about political history, resistance, and the consequences of fascism. The game challenges players to manage a resistance group during the darkest years of the Third Reich, emphasizing strategic decisions, stealth, and moral dilemmas in an anti-fascist context.
The game is not designed to teach children about democracy in a traditional sense. Instead, it provides a unique perspective on critical reflection against dictatorship and injustice. For example, in the game's narrative, children Ezra and Alex visit their grandparents and become upset about the trees being cut down in their neighbourhood gardens for a new factory. This situation sparks their anger towards "those above," demonstrating the game's focus on political participation.
"Through the Darkest of Times" offers an interactive and engaging way for players to learn about the political decision-making process. The game is free to play and can be accessed by clicking and playing on various platforms. Although it is not a game specifically designed for teaching democracy to children, it provides a valuable lesson about standing up against injustice and fighting for what is right.
It's worth noting that there are other educational games designed for children that focus on democracy. For instance, the "Discover Democracy Through Games" game is designed for children aged 10 to 13 and aims to teach democratic competencies, participation, and critical reflection through interactive and cooperative methods.
In conclusion, "Through the Darkest of Times" is a significant contribution to the field of educational gaming. By offering an engaging and immersive experience, it provides players with a unique perspective on historical resistance and the consequences of fascism. While it may not be a traditional educational game about democracy, it offers a valuable lesson about standing up against injustice and fighting for what is right.
Germany's Paintbucket Games, with their latest release "Through the Darkest of Times," offers a fresh approach to politics education, immersing players in a realistic resistance movement against Nazi Germany. This anti-fascist strategy game is not just a game about history, but also an exercise in political lifestyle, requiring players to make tough decisions in an effort to stand up against injustice.
