I’ve recently been spending more time than is probably advisable playing Cities:Skylines, one of a long line of ‘build a city’ genre of PC games. Getting to the bottom of why this game works so well has taught me a few things applicable to elearning (with a little help from a Hungarian psychologist). Or perhaps I’m just trying to justify my simulation game addition. You can decide.
In the game you can gradually build a digital city which becomes increasingly intricate as your funds and skills grow. You must manage your money, maintain your infrastructure and beware of natural disasters. There’s something satisfying about designing a swanky quayside gated community or an idyllic neighbourhood, then kicking back for a while to watch my city’s denizens as they hop off on their morning commute.