Analyzing Games & Simulations

 I love being outside and gardening so I selected Group 1: Farming

Game/Simulation Title: Cornucopia 

What was the game/simulation about? Cornucopia is a free STEM education game developed by the California Academy of Sciences, designed classroom use and out-of-school programs such as camps, after-school programs and the like. It is a farm simulator where players manage a plot of land, plant crops, and earn points by leveling up the farm with green technology to meet the space and water needs of their crops (California Academy of Sciences).  

What was the game/simulation about? Cornucopia is an environmental simulation game that focuses on food systems, water usage, and sustainability. Players take on the role of a farmer, managing a plot of land where they plant various crops, specifically veggies and protein. The game challenges players to make decisions based on factors such as crop type, water availability, and sustainable farming practices to food demands such as placed orders from local businesses. 

Core Dynamic: Construct/Build (resource management) and Solve Problem/Puzzle (using strategic thinking) 

Main Mechanics: 
  • Selecting and planting different types of crops 
  • Managing water resources
  • Using green technologies for sustainability 
  • Arranging crops for best land use.
  • Filling orders
The game goal is to successfully manage the farm by meeting the space and water needs of the crops, thereby earning points and filling orders and advancing through levels. 

What did you enjoy/not enjoy while playing the game/simulation? I struggled with this game. I played on a Mac, therefore, I wonder if some of the challenges I faced were because of the Mac. For one, it seemed to glitch periodically, freezing and restarting. I tried both Safari and Chrome, neither of which played consistently.The game's educational focus on real-world issues like water conservation and sustainable agriculture did spark my curiosity, but the layout of the game was not exceptionally user friendly. The buttons for next season were hard to access. The tutorial was helpful as once I completed it, I had a much better understanding as to how the game worked. 




Would you classify this as a game, simulation game, or simulation? Why? Cornucopia is a simulation game. It combines elements of traditional gaming such as scoring points and levels along with the realistic simulation of farming practices, environmental management, and sustainability. I would say that Cornucopia is a hybrid of entertainment and simulation as it educates players about sustainable agriculture and resource management through interactive gameplay.

Game/Simulation Title: Journey 2050

What was the game/simulation about? Journey 2050 is an educational simulation game that explores the challenges of sustainably feeding a global population projected to reach nearly 10 billion by the year 2050. Players engage in virtual farming across different countries, guided by real farm families, to understand how social, environmental, and economic factors all connect to agricultural practices (Journey 2050). 

Core Dynamic: Construct/Build (resource management) and Solve Problem/Puzzle (using strategic thinking) 

Main Mechanics:
  • Virtual farming in various global locations such as Kenya, each presenting unique challenges
  • Monitoring and managing soil health, water resources, and economic factors.
  • Implementing best management practices to enhance sustainability.
  • Interacting with real-world scenarios and receiving guidance from actual farm families.
The Game Goal is to balance the social, environmental, and economic aspects of farming to achieve sustainable agricultural practices that can feed the growing global population. 

What did you enjoy/not enjoy while playing the game/simulation? I loved playing this game. The rich content added depth to the learning experience, and the videos effectively introduced key concepts before farming. I appreciated the realistic scenarios and the guidance from real farm families, which provide valuable insights into global agricultural practices. The game's emphasis on sustainability and the need to balance various factors was both engaging and educational. 



Would you classify this as a game, simulation game, or simulation? Why? Journey 2050 is a simulation game. It combines interactive gameplay elements, such as virtual farming and strategic decision-making, with the realistic simulations of agricultural practices and sustainability strategies/challenges. The integration of real-world data and input from actual farm families enhances its educational value, making it a hybrid that serves both entertainment and instructional purposes. The real world connection with real places and real families leveled up this game simulation and play experience for me. 


Game/Simulation Title: 3rd World Farmer

What was the game/simulation about? 3rd World Farmer is an educational simulation game that immerses players in the challenges faced by farmers in developing countries. Players manage a rural farm, making decisions on crops, livestock management, and family welfare, all while confronting adversities such as corruption, disease, conflict, and economic instability. The game aims to raise awareness about poverty and the various factors that both impact and sustain it (3rd World Farmer).

Core Dynamic: Construct/Build (resource management) and Solve Problem/Puzzle (using strategic thinking) 

Main Mechanics:

  • Selecting and planting various crops (differing levels of risk/reward) 
  • Purchasing and managing livestock for different income sources.
  • Managing family needs (funding), including health and education. 
  • Navigating random real world events that either help or hinder the farm, such as natural disasters or civil ward. 
The game goal is to sustain and improve the family's standard of living over multiple generations by managing resources and navigating the impacts of events (such as war or natural disasters). 

What did you enjoy/not enjoy while playing the game/simulation? This game was interesting to play. I had more emotions playing this game, as the annual report was a constant reminder of the challenges faces by 3rd world farmers. I found the game engaging because of its realistic portrayal of the difficulties faced by farmers in impoverished regions. Making tough decisions with limited resources fostered a deep sense of empathy and understanding in me for others. The random events, however, felt somewhat frustrating, and it was challenging to predict the randomness. Though it is reflective of real-world unpredictability, I felt like it hindered my agency to make good decisions in preparation to face the challenges. 


Would you classify this as a game, simulation game, or simulation? Why? 3rd World Farmer is a simulation game. Through its interactive gameplay of managing resources, making strategic decisions, and facing socioeconomic challenges helps make this game both educational and entertaining. Through the engaging mechanics, players learn and experience the serious challenges and issues faced by farmers in developing countries. 


All three games I played were simulation games. My observations: 
  • They are designed to educate while engaging players, rather than focusing solely on entertainment or training. 
  • Their realism is somewhat abstract. They don't 100 percent replicate real-world farming conditions but they do provide simplified models for decision-making and cause-effect relationships within the world of farming. 
  • They are designed with learning in mind. All three have gameplay mechanics that encourage exploration, experimentation, and connection to real-world issues. I noticed that all three are connected somewhat to state learning standards.