PC Games To Support Geography

Being an avid gamer myself I have been able to appreciate that certain PC video games have to ability to provide additional enriching information that has provided useful in my high level Geographical studies. These games often provide geographic information in the terms of the spatial structure of our world, as well the history of how certain places came to be and why their geography is as it is today.

A game that I have found invaluable is Europa Universalis III. This game is a Strategy game based between the 15th and 19th centuries. It provides players with the ability to acquire detailed knowledge of the world and its places, it provides many regions not just countries so you are able to know that say Goa is in India or Seminole is in the USA etc. The game also shows depending on the start date you choose the position of European colonies which is useful knowledge. Map options also show the spread of different cultural groups and religions at any given start date you choose.

Another game , which is less thought-intensive is Far Cry 2, not obviously applicable to geographical concepts. However, playing the game it is clear it gives a fantastic view on the structure of impoverished and war torn African countries. Similar to Botswana in many ways it shows how the diamond trade and foreign intervention within the economy and military of the small African nation (the nation is fictional in the game) has led it to its almost total destruction. You can gain some good ideas from this game so why not give it a try.


Finally cities XL a game which is linked to the economic and social side of big cities and development. Take on the role of the all seeing and all dancing city planner who has the ability to control everything. This game gives you an insightful knowledge of what cities need to function fully and the effects of them growing in size. It will give you the ability to not only have fun but explore the role that big cities have to play within the social and economic structure of a country. Can you balance economic growth, with social equality and protect the environment?