After discussing how video games could be used to pass on Jewish folklore and traditions, or how they can be used to teach Jewish history, it is time to discuss how video games can be used to impart the knowledge of the Torah itself. It is important to remember that video games come in a wide variety of genres, and each genre itself can be further divided into subgenres. This can include puzzle games, which can broken down further into match 3 games like Candy Crush and Bejewelled, Block puzzle games like Tetris, narrative puzzle games like the majority of point and click adventure titles and so on. Furthermore, there already is a game that delves into Torah concepts, albeit not as the main part of the game itself. That game is The Shivah, which we have previously discussed here on Tribe Herald. The Shivah and is one of the only Jewish themed games around and its gameplay ideas play a role in how video games can be used to teach Torah. Part of that game involved debating Talmudic concepts as a game mechanic in one section, and that part of the game has made me realize that a lot more can be done with the concept.
Before I go any further, I want to state that what I am saying is only from the perspective of an Orthodox Jews. This is the denomination I was raised in and am part of, and the one I am familiar with when it comes to Torah learning. For those whose traditions of Torah learning is different, I welcome a response to what I say. I can only speak to what I know and am not trying to offend by implying there is only one way to be a Jewish person and learn Torah. We at Tribe Herald want to be an inclusive place for all Jews and give everyone their voice.
Torah learning traditionally involved both Tanakh, the written Torah, and The Mishah and Gemara that comprise the Talmud which is the oral Torah traditions. Both are extremely important to learn, and commentaries and explanations of Talmudic discussion have continued to this very day, further expanding the oral traditions of the Torah as well. To go back to the game The Shivah, a major part of Talmudic learning and discussions is philosophical ad legal arguments, and these kinds of Talmudic debates were what was used in the game as a mechanic. I hesitate to go further in explaining how the game used the debates due to it being a major part of the ending, but I want to discuss how video games can expand on that.
In addition to adventure games, which the Shivah falls into the genre of, another type of game that uses narrative and choice as a major part of the experience is the visual novel game. One such game is the Ace Attorney series, a legal drama game that sees collection of evidence and making arguments as part of its core gameplay. While the concepts are different from Talmudic debate, the general idea of such a game could be easily applied to a game about learning Torah concepts, preparing an argument while in learning with others and then presenting said argument. You would need to defend your argument much like a legal debate, which is actually what many Talmudic debates actually are, and prove why you are correct in the argument.
A game could also be made that explores stories and law from Tanakh in greater details, possibly as the aforementioned adventure genre. These games can go into detail about the deeper meaning in the stories and the laws that are laid out and why they are the way they are. Such a game could also go on to point out that some laws are laws we know the reason for, and there are laws that we do not. It is a distinction that is important and something that does raise questions for many learning for the first time.
There are no doubt many in the various Orthodox communities who may oppose such a thing and see it as secularism imposing itself on Torah knowledge, due to a distrust of video games and outside entertainment in those communities. This is not indicative of all Orthodox Jewish communities mind you, but those who do have concerns need not worry. These types of video games would not be something that would endanger Torah learning but instead help facilitate its growth in young Jews. Such a game could delve into the more complex aspects of Torah law and debate and give young Jews a chance to learn about them in an interactive way that is more accessible. This may actually even end up helping them understand the concepts when traditional teaching is not accomplishing the goal. Studying Talmud and Torah law is a long process and for some students who may have learning difficulties or other issues, an alternative route is necessary.
These teaching aids could not only help students who are struggling with learning Talmud and understanding it, perhaps due to issues with speaking another language, but could also get them interested in wanting to learn more. This could in fact get the students to apply themselves in new ways so they can become more versed in learning. These kind of games as teaching aids have been shown to be effective in many studies, such as puzzle games helping people develop critical thinking skills, so there is no reason such a concept would not work here.
If there are those in the Orthodox Jewish community who still are uneasy about the matter, there is something else to consider. The independent gaming scene allows many voices that are not normally heard to get their message out, and an independent video game developed by those in the community for the various Jewish communities would be an ideal situation. This way they could assure the game would fulfill its purpose and can teach what they feel is needed to be taught. The game would be authentic and could even help reach older Jews who are looking for a way to begin studying Torah, as well as be a useful tool for converts as well.
And thus, we have concluded our three-part series on how video games can be used in Jewish education. We welcome feedback on what we have said and would like to know what other feel about how video games can be used to teach Judaism. Hopefully, we have opened your minds to some new possibilities.
