Believe it or not, online games are not all about flying fists or blazing guns. In fact, a new wave of socially conscious game developers are weaving issues they feel strongly about into the games they create. In this way, these developers point players to pertinent social issues, helping them understand that they can make a difference.
This movement catches on to the fact that casual online gaming is quickly becoming one of the most popular methods through which netizens consume content. The overwhelming worldwide recognition of casual games lends credibility to the idea that such a large potential audience could be tapped to promote a social cause.
Emergent issues such as the green movement were also reflected in online games, as game developers begin to take a stand to promote their pet causes. To that end, Sunshine Ranch is the largest virtual farming game designed to raise awareness for reforestation as a vital part of protecting our planet.
Darfur Is Dying was the first of such activist games where real-world issues were explored, and it gathered a massive 800,000 player following. Players were given a glimpse into the lives of refugees in the Darfur region of Sudan, and role-played as refugees searching for food, shelter and safety, all the while attempting to evade the murderous militia.
In the time span during which the game ran, tens of thousands forwarded it to a friend or sent a letter to an elected representative, urging them to take action in Darfur. This clearly shows that the lessons that players learn online can be, and has been translated into tangible action.
A survey conducted by Popcap Games revealed that two-thirds of all social gamers play at least once a day, citing ‘Friendly Competition’ as one of the main reasons they are drawn to social games. Social Games often require players to interact with other players, be it to find your pet a soul mate, or to gain better recipes for your kitchen. Such games are thus uniquely poised to educate players about the benefits of co-operation and win-win scenarios.
These games do not claim to be the definitive answer to the problems that plague our society. What they do, though, is allow for players to walk a mile in the shoes of others. And most of the time, a measure of empathy is all that we need.
Zhang Wenjie, Shaun
Shaun is the staff writer here at [MatchMove Games](http://MatchMove Gamesgames.com).
