The Future of Learning: How Video Games Are Shaping Education

In today’s fast-paced world, technology is at the heart of everything we do. From communication to work, entertainment, and even education, the digital age has revolutionized the way we live. With this rapid growth in tech, it’s only natural that education must evolve with it, too. Enter video games, once viewed purely as entertainment, are now emerging as powerful tools for learning, offering a dynamic way to engage students and help them understand complex concepts.

In this article, we'll explore two incredibly popular video game franchises Assassin's Creed Origins and Assassin's Creed Odyssey, as well as FIFA (now known as EA Sports FC) and discuss how they can be used as teaching tools in education.

Assassin's Creed Games: A Virtual History Lesson

The Assassin’s Creed series is renowned for its richly detailed historical settings. Assassin’s Creed Origins takes players on a journey through ancient Egypt, while Assassin’s Creed Odyssey immerses them in the world of ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. These games offer far more than just entertainment; they provide an opportunity to learn about history, culture, and geography in an interactive and engaging way.

In Origins, players get to explore the majestic pyramids of Giza, witness the beauty of Alexandria, and even interact with Cleopatra herself.
In Odyssey, players roam the Mediterranean, engage with historical figures like Socrates, and experience life during the rise of Athenian democracy.

These games allow students to virtually visit ancient historical sites, interact with iconic figures, and witness key historical events, all while having fun in an open-world environment.

From a teaching perspective, this offers an exciting new way for students to experience history. Instead of reading about ancient Egypt or Greece in textbooks, they can walk through these civilizations, experiencing the architecture, culture, and daily life of people from thousands of years ago. It’s like a virtual field trip—but better, because it’s accessible from anywhere.

FIFA (EA Sports FC): The Game for Strategy and Teamwork

When we talk about video games in education, we can't overlook the world of sports games like FIFA, now known as EA Sports FC. These games, popular worldwide, have been used by professional football managers as tools for understanding game mechanics and improving team strategies. Surprisingly, some of the world’s top coaches have incorporated FIFA into their tactical training routines.

For example:

André Villas-Boas, the Portuguese football manager, was known to use FIFA to study opponents and tactics during his time at Chelsea. He praised the game for helping him understand player movements and formations in a way that would be difficult through traditional methods.
Xavi Hernandez, the legendary midfielder and manager, has also admitted to using FIFA for tactical purposes. While real-life training is always the priority, Xavi recognized that FIFA is a useful tool to analyze different formations and understand the dynamics of various playing styles.
Julen Lopetegui, former Spain manager, has spoken about using video games like FIFA to help with tactical training. He highlighted how the game helped him understand how teams move and interact in various match scenarios, especially in terms of offensive and defensive strategies.

The beauty of FIFA (or EA Sports FC, as it’s now known) is that it’s not just for playing—it’s a tool for visualizing and understanding complex game tactics. For students learning about sports management, coaching, or teamwork, playing FIFA can offer insights into the decisions that happen during an actual match. Understanding player formations, in-game adjustments, and strategic shifts can offer valuable lessons in strategy and leadership.

Why Video Games Are a Powerful Educational Tool

Now, you might be thinking: How exactly do video games fit into the classroom? Well, here’s the deal—education isn’t just about memorizing facts; it’s about engaging with the material in a meaningful way. Video games, like Assassin’s Creed and EA Sports FC, make learning exciting and interactive, keeping students engaged without them even realizing they’re learning.

Keeping Students Engaged – Students are used to instant feedback and interaction, things that traditional education sometimes lacks. Video games tap into this by providing immediate rewards, challenges, and progress. Students get to learn without feeling forced to, because they’re enjoying the process.
Real-World Applications – Games like Assassin’s Creed and FIFA allow students to apply their learning in a practical context. Whether it’s learning about history through exploring ancient sites in Origins or using tactical thinking to devise a strategy in FIFA, video games bring abstract concepts to life.
Interactive Learning – Traditional classrooms often rely on passive learning (students listening to lectures and reading textbooks). With video games, students take an active role in their education. They make decisions, solve problems, and explore content on their own terms, which deepens their understanding and retention of information.

The Future of Educational Gaming: A New Era of Learning

The future of education is undoubtedly intertwined with technology. As we move forward, games like Assassin’s Creed and FIFA could become a regular part of the learning experience. Not only do they bring history, culture, and strategy to life, but they also offer new opportunities for engagement, teamwork, and critical thinking.

Imagine classrooms where students use these games to explore the past, analyze strategies, and develop problem-solving skills—all while having fun. With the rise of virtual and augmented reality, who knows what other immersive educational experiences lie ahead?

Incorporating video games into the curriculum might seem unconventional, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that learning can and should be exciting. By embracing this new approach, we can create a future where education is not just about sitting in a classroom, but about exploring, interacting, and experiencing the world in new and innovative ways.

Conclusion: Embracing the Power of Gaming in Education

The potential for video games to reshape education is immense. Whether it’s Assassin’s Creed bringing history to life or FIFA helping players and coaches analyze tactics, these games show us that learning doesn’t have to be boring or traditional.

By leveraging the power of gaming, we can keep students engaged, help them develop critical skills, and prepare them for a future that is becoming increasingly digital.

So, let’s embrace this new era of education, where technology and games are at the forefront of how we learn. The future of educational gaming is bright, and it’s only just beginning.