Computer games against extremism

Computer games offer children and young people lots of entertainment, enable social contact and can even help with learning. However, there are also dangers in virtual worlds, such as disinformation and extremist speech. At the same time, games also offer opportunities to live a culture of remembrance, teach democratic values and counter extremism. In this article, you will find out what you should look out for as a parent and how you can use computer games sensibly.

How extremism can occur in games

Many online games thrive on interactivity and exchange with other players. As in other social spaces, there are also challenges here. Extremist groups also use games and gaming communities specifically to influence young people. This can happen in different ways:

• Hidden messages: Extremist ideologies can be conveyed through certain symbols, language or narratives in games.
• Targeted speeches: Extremists are looking for communication platforms for gamers such as Discord to specifically target young people in order to manipulate them.
• Special games with radical content: There are games that have been specifically developed to spread extremist ideologies and indoctrinate children and young people.

You can read more about extremism in online games in this parents’ guide article.

Protection through age ratings

The Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body(USK) tests games and assigns age ratings. Among other things, attention is paid to how extremist symbols are handled. Unconstitutional symbols such as swastikas are prohibited under the German Criminal Code. They may only be shown under certain conditions, e.g. in a critical examination of history. During the review, the USK pays attention to the relationship between good and evil in the game, the historical context and the classification of the events and whether extremist symbols are only used decoratively or critically reflected.

Culture of remembrance and games

Games can be a valuable means of bringing history to life and sensitizing young people to the dangers of extremist ideologies. Serious games in particular – i.e. games with an educational mission – can contribute to this. They impart knowledge and actively involve players in solving problems. In serious games, players are very involved, find themselves in the middle of the story and have to act as those affected. This teaches them about the risks of extremism and what has threatened people in the past.

Examples of such serious games are

• Traces on paper: The game focuses on the Nazi murders of the sick and invites you to confront this dark chapter of history.
• Through the Darkest of Times: Here, players are transported back to the time of National Socialism and experience how resistance was put up.
• The Children of Bullenhuser Damm: The game tells the story of children on whom medical experiments were carried out during the Third Reich.

Such games tell history interactively and promote an understanding of historical contexts. You can find a database of remembrance culture games on the website of the Digital Games Culture Foundation

Preventing extremism through gaming

Not only specially developed educational games, but also well-known entertainment games can be used to critically scrutinize extremist content. So-called “serious gaming” means that games that were not originally intended for this purpose are used for educational purposes. One example is Call of Duty: WWII, where the crimes of the Nazis are realistically depicted in one chapter.

There are also games that deal with radicalization, for example:

• Hidden CodesThe game shows how extremist groups appeal to young people and what strategies they use.
• Tell Me Why: The game addresses identity issues and promotes empathy for discriminated groups.

So-called “cozy games”, such as Stardew Valley or Venba, do not deal with the topic, but offer relaxed gaming experiences in positive, supportive worlds and can help young players to develop a healthy world view.

What parents can do

As a parent, you have an important role to play when it comes to guiding your child in their use of games and protecting them from extremist content. Here are some tips:

• Find out about the games your child uses. Ask what your child experiences in the games and show an open interest.
• Play along! Playing together strengthens the relationship and gives you an insight into the content.
• The USK checks whether extremist symbols are used in games in an appropriate and justifiable context. Observe the USK age rating and the additional information such as pressure to act, violence, frightening moments. Observe how your child deals with this.

• Educate your child about disinformation and practise with your child how to deal critically with information.
• Use technical protective measures. For example, restrict contact options and explain to your child how they can block contacts and report suspicious content.
• Pay attention to which online communities your child is active in. Extremists use social networks and gaming platforms to influence young people.

If you find your child’s behaviour conspicuous or are worried about your child, contact advice centres for parents and young people and find out more about radicalization on the internet on platforms such as ZEBRA. You can find out more about preventing extremism in the gaming sector in the Amadeu Antonio Foundation’s brochure “Gaming against right-wing extremism”.