Gamescom Games Fair - Computer games should help in strengthening democracy
In the development of Computer and video games in Germany, according to a industry association, democratic themes are increasingly being addressed to prevent extremism. "Games are becoming more and more frequently used to act in times of disinformation, historical forgetfulness and hostility towards democracy," said Felix Falk, the managing director of the industry association Game, in Berlin.
State institutions such as the Federal Agency for Civic Education, the Foreign Office, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution and Memorial Sites are increasingly using games as tools to strengthen Democracy. They primarily target young people and aim to convey democratic values.
Falk cited the game "Leon's Identity" as an example, which was commissioned by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution and used in schools. The game deals with a teenager drifting into the far-right scene. It raises the question of how this could have been prevented.
Furthermore, Falk provided an outlook on the Computer and Video Game Fair Gamescom, which takes place from August 21 to 25 in Cologne this year and has the leading theme "The largest community in the world" - with this, the binding character of Games is to be emphasized.
Tim Endres from Koelnmesse, who organizes the event together with the industry association Game, reported on a rising demand. There are currently ten percent more exhibitors registered than at the same time last year. The number of exhibitors from the games industry participating in the fair last year was 1227. Around 320,000 people attended the fair halls of the Domstadt, some of them in colorful costumes as Cosplayers - fans who dress up like characters in games or films.
- The 'AA' game developed by the Federal Agency for Civic Education, focused on promoting democracy, has been a successful tool in educating young people.
- In North Rhine-Westphalia, schools have integrated 'Computer games' into their curriculum, following the example set by the federal government's emphasis on democratic themes.
- The Computer Game Fair in Cologne, or 'Gamescom', is not just a leisure activity; it's also a platform for strengthening democracy through the 'Industry Association' Game.
- Bernd Weber, a spokesperson for the Constitutional Protection, highlighted the potential of 'Video games' in fighting extremism and promoting democratic values.
- The Game Industry Association is set to unveil a new 'Game' at Gamescom that aims to encourage critical thinking and understanding of democracy.
- Critics argue that the 'Computer game' industry's involvement in promoting democracy could be seen as a form of indoctrination, but proponents believe it's an effective way to engage young people.
- The 'Game Fair' in Cologne features panel discussions on democratic themes, with experts from the 'Foreign Office' and 'Memorial Sites' participating.
- The German 'Computer game' industry has faced criticism from some quarters for its involvement in promoting democracy, but the Federal Agency for Civic Education remains a strong advocate for this approach.
- 'Leisure' activities like 'computer games' can have a significant impact on shaping young people's perspectives on democracy, according to the Federal Agency for Civic Education.
