Are you interested in developing your intercultural competence, but find traditional learning methods too boring or ineffective? Good news: PC games can be a fun and engaging way to learn about different cultures and improve your intercultural skills. In this article, we will introduce you to the best PC games for developing intercultural competence.
Why Use PC Games for Developing Intercultural Competence?
Intercultural competence is the ability to communicate and interact effectively with people from different cultures. It involves understanding and respecting cultural differences, and being able to adapt to different cultural contexts. While traditional learning methods such as textbooks and lectures can help you learn about different cultures, they often lack the engaging and interactive elements that make learning fun and effective.
PC games, on the other hand, can provide a more immersive and interactive learning experience. They can help you develop intercultural competence by allowing you to explore different cultural contexts, interact with virtual characters from different cultures, and practice intercultural communication skills in a safe and controlled environment.
1. Civilization VI
Civilization VI is a turn-based strategy game that allows you to build and manage your own civilization. In the game, you can choose to play as different historical leaders from around the world, each with their own unique abilities and attributes. As you build your civilization, you will interact with other civilizations from different parts of the world, and will need to negotiate treaties, trade agreements, and other diplomatic relations.
Playing Civilization VI can help you develop intercultural competence by allowing you to learn about different historical leaders and their cultures, and by challenging you to adapt to different cultural contexts in order to succeed in the game.
2. Assassin’s Creed Origins
Assassin’s Creed Origins is an action-adventure game set in ancient Egypt. In the game, you play as Bayek, a Medjay (protector of the pharaoh) who is on a quest to uncover a conspiracy that threatens the stability of Egypt. As you explore the open world of ancient Egypt, you will encounter different cultures and historical figures, and will need to navigate cultural differences in order to complete your mission.
Playing Assassin’s Creed Origins can help you develop intercultural competence by exposing you to different cultural contexts and historical perspectives, and by requiring you to adapt to different cultural norms and customs in order to progress through the game.
3. 80 Days
80 Days is an interactive fiction game based on Jules Verne’s novel Around the World in Eighty Days. In the game, you play as Passepartout, the loyal servant of English gentleman Phileas Fogg, who has made a bet that he can travel around the world in 80 days. As you travel through different parts of the world, you will encounter different cultures and characters, and will need to make decisions that affect the outcome of the game.
Playing 80 Days can help you develop intercultural competence by exposing you to different cultural contexts and perspectives, and by challenging you to make decisions that require cultural sensitivity and awareness.
4. Never Alone
Never Alone is a puzzle-platformer game that tells the story of a young Iñupiaq girl named Nuna and her Arctic fox companion as they embark on a quest to save her village from an eternal blizzard. The game is based on traditional Iñupiaq stories and culture, and features gameplay elements that are unique to the Iñupiaq culture.
Playing Never Alone can help you develop intercultural competence by exposing you to a culture that is often overlooked in mainstream media, and by allowing you to experience the world through the eyes of a different culture.
Conclusion
PC games can be a fun and effective way to develop intercultural competence. By allowing you to explore different cultural contexts, interact with virtual characters from different cultures, and practice intercultural communication skills in a safe and controlled environment, PC games can help you become a more culturally competent individual. So, the next time you’re looking for a new game to play, consider one of the games on this list and take the first step towards becoming a more interculturally competent person.
