I’m a strong believer in the power of stories that make a change for the better. Some of the most successfull stories today are transmitted via video games (just look at the numbers: more than 7 billion dollars in 2005 - and every year they’re making more money).

The World Food Programm (WFP) launched a video game called “Food Force”. They call it “the world’s first humanitarian video game “, aimed at children aged 8 to 13. Kids learn about the realities of hunger in the world and what problems we run accross alleviating it. From what I’ve read, the game really braeks down this complex issue in an entertaining manner that gives kids a pretty good understanding of the situation. Food Force now has been downloaded about 5 million times since 2005, a huge success.

I’m not into computer games, but if you have a kid and want to check it out, you can download Food Force for free here.

Another videogame reduces stress-hormone levels in the body by 17% according to this article. It’s a social intelligence game that is designed to boost the players self-confidence.

You can also play this game for free at MindHabits.org.

Here are also two very interesting articles on the power of positive video games:

• Do-Gooder Games, Time Magazine
• Saving the World, One Video Game at a Time by New York Times