During the last week of class, we were able to play the game When Rivers Were Trails. This game took us through the journey of Indigenous people as they interacted with each other and white men while navigating their ever-shrinking lands. The game mechanics are very simple and allow the player to really focus on the message and educational opportunity that the game provides. This game was developed to be used as an educational tool for younger audiences and that can be felt in the simplicity of the gameplay. Also mentioned during class was the game Oregon Trail. While both games occur at the same time, they show vastly different perspectives on life in the West. Both of these games, by themselves, are great educational tools that let people learn about history in a very hands-on approach. These two games together can provide a full picture of the time period and are a great lesson on how your circumstances can greatly impact your view of the world and how two different perspectives can view the same event. Using games like these are a great way to supplement traditional education.

Sources:LaPensée, Elizabeth, director. When Rivers Were Trails. Vimeo, 28 Apr. 2020, vimeo.com/340980168/e2ab19649e