Some video games have had interesting links to history. For example, many shooter games have been based off of WWII, God of War draws heavily from Greek mythology, and Assassin’s Creed 2 will have you interacting with Leonardo Da Vinci. Some academics are saying that games like this can provide a gateway for young adults to be inspired to research more into these areas.

So today the American Library Association announced that November 14th will be “National Gaming Day” in all libraries. They will offer people the chance to go to the library and play a game and learn more about the real stories that inspired them. There hasn’t been any study in the area of video games based off of history, but according to the Reuter’s article: “Michael Pachter, videogame analyst for Wedbush Morgan Securities, estimates games incorporating history into their stories have made up about 10 percent of overall sales over the past year.”

I find it interesting that the ALA has taken notice of this and has decided to embrace and use video games as a learning tool and starting point to get more kids and young adults interested in learning more about history. I also really enjoy playing these games that have a basis in history or have you interact with key historical figures.

So I encourage you to take your younger siblings, children or even go yourself your local  library on the 14th to see what events they may be having!

Via Reuters