Game Learning Releases "Gold Rush" Educational Video Game
Los Angeles based educational video game development company releases third game in suite of 60 video games focused on teaching history
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 25, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Game Learning, the educational video game development company founded by educational entrepreneur Matt Massman has released its third educational video game for students ages 9-14. In "Gold Rush," students are transported to 1840s Coloma, California and play as fictional character Keith Derby, an ex-soldier who is fresh from fighting in California's Bear Flag Revolt.
In "Gold Rush," Derby goes to work for historical figure Johann Sutter, building a mill, when gold is discovered along the banks of the American River. Derby goes on to partner with a second historical figure Jennie Wimmer, who together will build a business empire encompassing mines, laundries, hotels, restaurants, and stagecoaches—catering to the needs of the miners with gold to spend but who have little time to focus on necessities like food and shelter.
"Gold Rush" follows the success of Game Learning's first two educational video games, "The Lost Colony," and "Road to Revolution," which had players exploring the failed first English settlement in North America at Roanoke, and the events leading to the American Revolution, respectively. According to Massman, "Gold Rush," along with the dozens of other games we will be releasing over the next several years, all surround a pivotal moment in history which would alter the course of the world."
From the inception of Game Learning, Massman says his team was clear about its goals. "Our educational video games are designed to be fun, collaborative, meaningful, and expand horizons. There are plenty of video games available that focus on STEM subjects. At Game Learning, we believe Social Studies deserve to be taught using 21st Century technology, as well. Game Learning video games teach valuable history lessons, along with problem solving skills, all the while boosting computer literacy. We're proud to bring history to life through our games, which can be played on the go— through our app, on a desktop, laptop or tablet," he said.
Educational content and historical accuracy are under the purview of Dr. Nicholas Gliserman, Game Learning's Chief Academic Officer. In addition to holding a Ph.D. in History from University of Southern California, Gliserman also holds an M.S. in Geographic Information Science and Technology. All content in Game Learning video games is developed by a team of historians, overseen by Dr. Gliserman.
According to Dr. Gliserman, "Game Learning games include a focus on diversity, access, and equity, and showcases historical events within greater cultural contexts. For example, in "Gold Rush," players meet nonfictional historical figures, who represent the diversity of human experiences during the Gold Rush, including a former slave, a Native American, immigrants from China and Germany, a carpenter from New Jersey, and more. Players really have to think through the decisions facing these different historical figures, meaning that students are coming away with a sense of empathy that they can apply in their everyday life."
Massman said the fourth video game from Game Learning, "The Adventures of Lewis & Clark" will be released before the end of the year. Game Learning's fifth game, "George Washington's Spies," will be released in early 2019. "We're so humbled by the response we've received from our first few games, and we're so excited to continue to bring new, engaging, exciting, and educational games to life."
"Gold Rush," "The Lost Colony," and "Road to Revolution," are all available through the company's website.
SOURCE Game Learning
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