11 video games that prove gaming is about more than just violence

For decades, video games have carried the stigma of being nothing but violence and empty entertainment. In Mexico, a tax on violent gaming is even being proposed for 2026. However, the reality is different: video games are tools for learning, creativity, and cultural exploration that inspire cognitive and emotional skills.

Below are 11 titles that prove the industry is about much more than just action and shooting.

More than just blocks, Minecraft Education Edition has become a global tool in classrooms around the world. Math, science, history, and coding are taught through a collaborative, three-dimensional environment that empowers students' problem-solving and creativity.

The Civilization series allows you to build a civilization from scratch, making strategic decisions that teach history, geography, and diplomacy. It's even used in educational settings, encouraging critical thinking and long-term planning.

Beyond the action, Assassin's Creed is a virtual museum. Its settings recreate the Renaissance, Ancient Egypt, and Classical Greece, showcasing architecture, customs, and historical figures in great detail.

Nintendo offers a platform for designing levels, sharing them, and learning video game design principles. Super Mario Maker 2 encourages logical thinking, imagination, and problem-solving in a fun way.

• Mexico 1921: A Deep Slumber : Relive post-revolutionary Mexican history by investigating historical crimes.
• Life is Strange : addresses adolescent emotions and decisions, teaching empathy and reflection.
• Celeste : a metaphor for self-improvement and mental health.

• Kerbal Space Program : Learn physics and astronomy by designing rockets and exploring orbits.
• Outer Wilds : Explore ancient civilizations and solve mysteries in a time loop that combines science and adventure.
• Microsoft Flight Simulator : Simulates real-life flights and lets you explore the world with satellite data.

Gris proves that a video game can move without violence. With a poetic and minimalist narrative, it addresses grief and personal growth through art and music.

These 11 video games demonstrate that gaming is a cultural and educational medium capable of teaching history, fostering creativity, and exploring emotions. They break stigmas and demonstrate that the industry isn't all about violence.