You’ve probably heard that good things come to those who wait, but in our fast-paced, instant-gratification world, this can be hard to believe. What if we told you that some video games are secretly teaching players the art of long-term planning and delayed gratification? HA! You thought you were just distracting yourself with some casual entertainment, but you’re actually growing as a human being. You’ve fallen right into our sinister trap.
As an educational game developer, we’ve long recognized that well-designed games can be powerful tools for developing crucial life skills, and recent trends in game design are proving just how effective they can be at fostering the patience and strategic thinking you need to thrive. In these increasingly complex game experiences, you’re planning for the future, making calculated decisions, and yes, sometimes waiting for long periods to see the fruits of your labor.
via Tenor
For today’s article we’ve rounded up some recent game releases that double down on these concepts, creating experiences that reward patient players with rich, satisfying gameplay. From guiding civilizations across millennia to building sustainable cities, these games are teaching players the value of thinking ahead and playing the long game. Let’s dive into how some of these titles are cultivating the art of patience and strategic thinking!
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In the vast expanse of space, time moves differently. The Fermi Paradox, a choice-driven sci-fi strategy game, takes this concept and runs with it. Players guide multiple civilizations across millennia, making decisions that may not bear fruit for thousands of years.
This game is a masterclass in long-term thinking. Every choice you make – from how a species develops technology to how they interact with other civilizations – has far-reaching consequences. The game’s developer, Arbor Interactive, has created a system where patience isn’t just rewarded; it’s essential.
Players must resist the urge for immediate gratification, instead focusing on decisions that will benefit their civilizations in the long run. It’s not uncommon for players to spend hours carefully cultivating a species, only to see the true impact of their choices unfold centuries later in game time.
The beauty of The Fermi Paradox lies in how it mirrors real-life long-term planning. Just as in the game, our real-world decisions about technology, environment, and social structures have impacts that extend far beyond our immediate future. By engaging with these concepts in a game setting, players are subtly developing skills that are crucial for tackling real-world, long-term challenges.
From galactic scales, let’s zoom in to the city level with Urbek City Builder. This isn’t your typical city-building game where rapid expansion is the key to success. Instead, Urbek emphasizes sustainable, long-term urban development.
Players must carefully balance immediate needs with future growth, considering factors like pollution, traffic flow, and resident happiness. The game’s unique zoning system encourages players to think strategically about city layout, rewarding those who plan ahead with thriving, efficient urban centers.
What sets Urbek apart is its focus on organic growth. Unlike many city builders that allow players to plop down massive structures at will, Urbek requires players to nurture their city over time. A small residential area might slowly evolve into a bustling downtown, but only if the player has laid the groundwork for such growth.
This approach to city building isn’t just about creating a fun game – it’s teaching players valuable lessons about urban planning, resource management, and the importance of long-term thinking in complex systems. By rewarding patience and forethought, Urbek is cultivating skills that are increasingly valuable in our rapidly urbanizing world.
Imagine guiding humanity from its earliest days to a thriving civilization. That’s the premise of Sapiens, a prehistoric civilization builder that takes the concept of delayed gratification to new heights.
In Sapiens, progress is measured not in minutes or hours, but in generations. Players start with a small tribe of early humans, slowly guiding them through technological and cultural advancements. The game’s developer, Majic Jungle, has created a system where every advancement feels significant because of the time and effort invested.
What makes Sapiens particularly effective at teaching long-term thinking is its focus on foundational technologies. Players can’t simply rush to advanced tools or structures. Instead, they must patiently develop basic skills like fire-making and tool crafting before moving on to more complex technologies.
This gradual progression mirrors the real-world development of human civilization, teaching players about the incremental nature of progress. By engaging with these concepts in a game setting, players are developing a deeper appreciation for the long-term processes that shape our world.
Rounding out our exploration is Kainga: Seeds of Civilization, a roguelite village builder that adds an element of adaptability to long-term planning. In Kainga, players must build and sustain a civilization in procedurally generated biomes, each with its own unique challenges.
What sets Kainga apart is how it combines long-term strategy with the need for flexibility. Players must plan for the future while also being ready to adapt to sudden changes in their environment. In Kainga, success comes not just from careful planning, but from the ability to adjust those plans in the face of new challenges. This mirrors real-world scenarios where long-term goals often need to be balanced with short-term flexibility. Players are not only learning the value of patience and long-term thinking, but also developing the crucial skill of adaptability. It’s a powerful combination that prepares players for the complexities of real-world planning and decision-making.
As we’ve seen through these games, the skills of long-term planning and delayed gratification aren’t just useful for achieving high scores. They’re crucial life skills that can translate into real-world success. The evidence is clear: well-designed games can be powerful tools for cultivating long-term thinking and delayed gratification. By incorporating these types of games into education and personal development, we’re not just teaching concepts; we’re fostering crucial skills for success in an increasingly complex world.
At Filament Games, we’re excited about creating educational games that not only teach but also foster the strategic thinking crucial for long-term success. Our team of experts understands how to balance engaging gameplay with meaningful learning experiences that build patience and foresight.
Ready to harness the power of game-based learning to develop long-term thinking in your students or organization? Contact us today for a free consultation. Let’s work together to create games that don’t just entertain, but inspire strategic thinking and cultivate the patience needed for success in the 21st century and beyond.