A gamer plays a computer game on the PC (IMAGO / Westend61 / IMAGO / Elena Helade) Pirker referred to simulations in which different forms of government such as democracy or autocratic government systems can be brought closer to a broad audience. Players could, for example, take on the role of politicians and experience their conflicting goals when making decisions, explained Pirker (audio link). Computer games also offer a change of perspective. The researcher cited a role-playing game as an example in which the focus is not on the actor of a warring party, but on a civilian fighting for survival. Game developers are also now addressing the US election campaign. However, there is a risk of manipulation and propaganda.
For the director of the Anne Frank Education Center, Deborah Schnabel, digital media and video games are also a great opportunity for educational and remembrance work. At the same time, however, they are also the scene of exclusion, anti-Semitism and racism, she explained at the Gamescom Congress in Cologne and demanded: “The bigger the gaming culture becomes, the more we have to look.” Because the industry is ultimately a mirror of society.
This message was broadcast on 22.08.2024 on the Deutschlandfunk program.
