Indie survival game, This War of Mine, is treading new ground for video games after officially being added to the high school curriculum in Poland.
The game, which sees you play as a group of civilians trying to survive in a war-ravaged city, will be included in the list of school reading materials for Polish students starting in the 2020/2021 school year. Being rated 18, This War of Mine will only be recommended to those over that age.
The news comes after months of campaigning to see the game be culturally recognised in Poland for its important themes.
“Of course, games are already being used in education for teaching maths, chemistry, and developing cognitive abilities, but I don’t think we’ve ever encountered a game being officially included in the educational system on a national level as school reading,” said 11 bit Studios CEO Grzegorz Miechowski in a statement.
“I’m proud to say 11 bit Studios’ work can add to the development of education and culture in our country.”
The company added: “The tale of civilians living through the torment of war, tackling moral dilemmas, and shouldering the heavy burden that people must carry when their lives are at stake was told with stark reality and praised by The New York Times, Washington Post, Die Welt, The Guardian, and other prestigious media.
“11 bit studios now proudly breaks new ground for game developers all over the world as This War of Mine becomes recommended reading for high school students in the Polish education system.”
Those in Poland studying the game will receive their copy free of charge, but if you’re keen on checking it out for yourself right now, you can pick it up on Steam. Hopefully we’ll see more games in schools moving forward!
Featured Image Credit: 11 bit studios