Learning more about other cultures is a great way to enrich your own life, broaden your own horizons and become a more well-rounded person, but it’s not always easy to jump on a flight whenever you get curious about a place, right? Well, don’t worry because you know what? It might sound strange but the world of gaming offers you so many chances to explore and understand other cultures. Here’s how:
1. Mahjong – Tile Your Way Through China
Mahjong is a really ancient game but it is one that has been thoroughly made modern by the abundance of apps and online Mahjong games you can now find. It’s one of the most popular games in China, so if you are looking to find out a little more about how the Chinese things and feel, then learning how to use those intriguing little tiles is surely a good way to do so. As well as learning more about Chinese culture, you will also improve your brainpower too!
2. Go (Baduk) – Strategy Straight from East Asia
Speaking of strategy, let’s talk about Go, or Baduk as it’s known in Korea. This game is older than your grandmother’s sourdough starter and twice as complex. Played with black and white stones on a grid, Go is a game of territorial conquest and has been elevating blood pressure in East Asia for millennia. Playing Go online can connect you with players from Japan, Korea, and China, offering a deep dive into a hobby that’s a significant part of their cultural heritage. Plus, you get to say things like “I’m studying Go strategies,” which is a great party conversation starter.
3. Chess – The Universal Language of Strategy
Okay, so you might not think that chess as a game has much to teach you about global culture, but you’d be dead wrong. Chess is one of those games that spread rapidly across the world starting out in India, then moving through Pwrsoa to Europe, and then expanding to the rest of the world. If you play it online, you will almost certainly be rubbing shoulders with smart people from all over the world, with their own playing styles, and that can only be a good thing, right?
4. Pokémon Go – Explore Cultural Landmarks
Yes, Pokémon Go is still a thing, and yes, people still actually walk around playing it—they’re just more stealthy now. This augmented reality phenomenon has players exploring real-world locations to catch virtual creatures. What’s cultural about that? Well, Pokémon Go can lead you to explore local landmarks, historical sites, and public art installations. It’s a digital scavenger hunt that offers a playful way to appreciate your own or another’s culture through exploration.
5. The Sims – Cultural Immersion Through Simulation
Ever wanted to live another life? The Sims lets you do just that as countless devoted players over the years have found out for themselves, but you know what? As well as building your dream house or starting a kitchen fire just to see how your sims react (we’ve all done that, right?) you can use The SIMs to explore other cultures, especially if you get into the whole m,odding community. From traditional clothing to being able to celebrate tons of cultural holidays, you can really learn a lot by roleplaying other lives in The Sims.
6. FIFA – A Global Football Fiesta
Nothing says global cultural tapestry quite like football (or soccer, for the Americans in the room). FIFA’s online multiplayer mode is more than just a game; it’s an international tournament in your living room. You’ll encounter players whose strategies and team preferences are deeply influenced by their local football cultures. It’s a way to engage with global sports cultures without having to paint your face or drape a flag over your shoulders—unless that’s your thing.
7. Eve Online – Intergalactic Cultural Exchange
Alright, so maybe this one’s a bit out there—literally. Eve Online isn’t about Earth cultures, but it is about creating and participating in a massive, player-driven universe. Here, players form alliances, trade, betray, and cooperate to build something greater than themselves. The interactions in Eve mimic real-world social and economic exchanges, offering insights into human behavior and strategic thinking influenced by players’ backgrounds from around the globe.
8. Duolingo – Turn Language Learning into a Game
While not a traditional game, Duolingo gamifies language learning, turning what can be a daunting task into a series of fun, manageable challenges. Each language opens a door to a new culture, and Duolingo’s bite-sized lessons make it less intimidating to start. Plus, you get to compete with friends, which is always a good motivator to brush up on your French before heading to Paris or your Japanese for that dream trip to Tokyo.
9. Cricket 19 – Experience the Cricket Craze
Cricket might seem perplexing to the uninitiated, but it’s a way of life in countries like India, Pakistan, Australia, and England. Cricket 19 offers an authentic cricket experience that can help you understand the rules and the passion behind the sport. Engage in online matches against international players and feel the competitive spirit that mirrors the fervor found in stadiums across the cricket-playing world. Each match is not just a game; it’s a lesson in cultural enthusiasm and sportsmanship.
10. Journey – A Serene Exploration of Connectivity
Journey is an online adventure that transcends typical gaming boundaries, emphasizing emotion and exploration over competition. Players traverse vast, breathtaking landscapes, encountering other players with whom they can communicate only through musical chimes. This game beautifully illustrates the universal language of music and movement, offering a profound sense of connection that cuts across cultural lines, fostering a silent yet deep understanding among players from around the globe.
11. Habbo Hotel – Dive into Virtual Worlds
Habbo Hotel is a virtual world where players design hotel rooms, meet new people, and participate in activities. It’s a melting pot of cultures, with themed rooms and events that celebrate various holidays and cultural traditions from around the world. Players can learn about different cultural festivities and customs in a fun and interactive way, making new friends from different backgrounds along the way.
12. 80 Days – A Steampunk Adventure Around the World
Inspired by Jules Verne’s classic novel, 80 Days mixes adventure with a rich narrative that takes players around the world in a steampunk vehicle. As you race against time to circle the globe, you encounter various cultures through the interactive story, where your choices affect the outcome. Each city and transport method brings its own set of adventures and cultural insights, making every playthrough a unique exploration of 19th-century Earth’s diverse societies.
13. Street Food Tycoon – Savor the Flavors of the World
In Street Food Tycoon, players run a food cart that serves up a variety of dishes from all corners of the globe. From tacos and sushi to shawarma and bao, each dish offers a glimpse into the ingredients, cooking methods, and cultural significances behind them. This game is not just about managing a business but also about understanding and appreciating global cuisines and the stories they tell.
14. Bury me, my Love – A Journey Through New Perspectives
Bury me, my Love is a text-based adventure game that tells the story of Syrian refugees. It’s a poignant exploration of the struggles, hopes, and dreams of those fleeing conflict. Through messages and choices, players guide the main character, learning about the harsh realities faced by refugees. This game offers a powerful window into the challenges of displacement and the cultural resilience of those who undertake such perilous journeys.
If you are looking for new ways to learn about and engage with different cultures from all over the world, gaming might not be the first thing you think of, but as you can see,e it is actually a pretty great way to do so, and it’s cheaper than that plane ticket, right?!
