Libraries hoping historical games increase curiosity about history

As a Reuters story notes, there is big business in history for the game industry. One of this year’s most anticipated titles, Assassin’s Creed II, sees the game’s hero interact with a young Leonardo da Vinci and use his design for a flying machine.

The first Assassin’s Creed was set during the Crusades and, of course, there are probably more World War II games on shelves than there were actual battles in the war.

Upcoming game The Saboteur is loosely based on the real life story of Wiliam Grover-Williams, who worked with the British Special Operations Executive in the hopes of liberating France. Grover-Williams was executed for his undercover work but, in the game, your character lives to help free France from the Nazis.

Libraries are playing up the learning connection to games, declaring November 14, 2009, “National Gaming Day” with many partaking in game-related activities. Patrons will be encouraged to play video and board games while librarians promote the importance of learning and literacy.

This isn’t a move without controversy. There are a lot of folks who think libraries should be using limited resources to stockpile books, not board games or video games.

So, readers, what’s your take? Have you ever played a video game that inspired you to learn more about its subject matter?

Read [Reuters] Also Read [National Gaming Day site]