Path Out

Playing with Perspectives: German Planspiele as Tools for Political Education

Planspiele, the German tradition of serious simulation games used for training decision-making, form the subject of this study, which examines their use as tools for political education.

• Planspiele, a German tradition of serious simulation games with roots in late eighteenth-century Prussian military planning, are examined as tools for political education across analogue, hybrid, and digital formats.
• The study concludes that Planspiele substantially foster decision-making and socio-cognitive skills, but their educational benefits depend on careful game design.
• The authors argue that deliberately crafted simulation games are necessary to cultivate informed and socially aware citizens, with attention to inclusivity, ideological bias, and accessibility in classroom and civic use.