Sid Meier's popular video game "Civilization V" is heading to classrooms in America when schools open in 2017. The fast-selling strategy game will be released in partnership with 2K Games and Firaxis, Take-Two Interactive Software and GlassLab. The video game program for schools will be called CivilizationEDU.
CivilizationEDU, based on "Civilization V," aims to help students develop problem-solving skills, harness critical thinking, as well as become familiar with historical events around the world. The way the video game is devised will also help students understand the correlation between economic, political and social development, including understanding the value of military power and technology in how the world works.
With CivilizationEDU, teachers will be able to assess and keep track of the students' development and progress. They could also come up with better teaching materials that can be applied to its academic lesson plans, per The Verge. The "Civilization V" video game for schools might also be used to replace standard tests, if needed.
Modified Civilization 5 heading to North American schools, to be used as a teaching aid: https://t.co/NczaEzM00S pic.twitter.com/dc2PtN2Hzx
— PC Gamer (@pcgamer) June 24, 2016
GlassLab is already familiar with developing such a system for video games and education integration as it is also behind the releases of other school-focused games. For his part, "Civilization" creator Sid Meier said that he's very excited for this program. "I can't think of a better interactive experience to help challenge and shape the minds of tomorrow's leaders," said Meir in the press release, per Techno Buffalo.
"Civilization" was first released as a PC game 25 years ago primarily for entertainment. But as the game became popular, it developed into a fun learning tool for its players, who might otherwise be turned off from learning about history, politics and economics in the traditional manner.
Details to the CivilizationEDU licensing cost and acquisition have not been revealed, but the game is expected for availability fall 2017. The news comes as "Civilization 6" is due for release for PC gamers this October, in celebration of the game's anniversary.
