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Has the use of science in video games and board games led to a rise in interest in STEM fields?

Eveline Tregian

Oh boy, let me tell you, the fusion of science and video games/board games has been an absolute game-changer (pun intended) in terms of sparking interest in STEM fields!

First of all, let's talk about video games. It's no secret that games nowadays are becoming more and more realistic, and that's thanks to the application of scientific concepts and principles. The physics engines in games like Grand Theft Auto or Call of Duty are incredibly complex, and they rely heavily on things like calculus and trigonometry. And have you played any of the Assassin's Creed games? Those bad boys take place in historical settings, which means the developers had to do a ton of research to accurately recreate the architecture and environment of the time period. That involves studying everything from engineering to anthropology!

All of this attention to detail makes for a more engaging, immersive experience for the players. It also inspires curiosity and a desire to learn more about the science behind it all. You might have started playing a game just because it looked fun, but then found yourself googling what exactly a "vector addition diagram" is because you wanted to understand how your character was moving through space. Next thing you know, you're deep in a Wikipedia rabbit hole, learning about vectors and then momentum and then everything else under the sun. That's the power of a good game.

Now let's talk about board games. You might be thinking, "what? Science in board games??", but hear me out. Games like Settlers of Catan or Pandemic require players to strategize and problem-solve based on certain rules and variables. Depending on the game, those rules might involve concepts like probability, spatial reasoning, or even chemistry (have you played the game Compound?). They also require people to work together, which is a valuable skill in pretty much any STEM career.

Board games can also be a great way to introduce kids to scientific concepts in a fun, non-intimidating way. There are plenty of games out there that are specifically designed to teach STEM concepts, like Code Master or Gravity Maze. Even classics like chess or checkers involve a lot of critical thinking and planning.

All of this to say, the use of science in video games and board games has definitely led to a rise in interest in STEM fields. Whether you're a kid playing a game for the first time or an adult who just wants to blow off steam after a long work day, games can be an incredibly effective tool for learning and exploring new ideas. So next time someone tells you video games and board games are just a waste of time, tell them they're missing out on a whole world of awesome learning opportunities.