Serious games are starting to get some cred in the gamedev world, and I chanced upon this game while reading up on the topic in one of my favorite online magaziones, the escapist.

3rd world farmer gives the player an idea what it’s like to try to be a farmer in the developing world, more specifically in the crisis area du jour, Africa.  Players choose which crops to plant and livestock to grow, and are annually beset with problems such as guerilla attacks, fires, and corrupt government officials.  The high cost of medicine is also a factor, and choosing whether or not to send your child to school is a decision that has far reaching consequences.  I ended up losing all my money to raiders, watching my wife die of disease, and planting opium poppies in a desperate attempt to earn extra money.

This game should be even more poignant to the Filipino gamer because to a certain extent, this is the life of a Filipino farmer.  Now I know some Filipinos get sensitive about being called “3rd world”, but lets face it, it’s the truth.  Those who read this blog, myseld included, are the exception to the Philippine situation, not the norm.

Serious games are made with the hope that it will broaden people’s horizons and open their minds to certain realities that we may not realize even exist.  So if you want to know how it feels like to juggle feeding your family, keeping them safe from disease, and fighting off rebels, give 3rd World Farmer a whirl.