Usually we play video games to escape the real world. However, the guys over at Persuasive Games see video gaming as a way of dealing with the world and its political, cultural and moral issues. Amongst their games currently in development is Fatworld, “a game about the politics of nutrition. It explores the relationships between obesity, nutrition, and socioeconomics in the contemporary U.S.” Other games that you can already play online include the Arcade Wire: Oild God – “Wreak havoc on the world’s oil supplies by unleashing war and disaster. Bend governments and economies to your will to alter trade practices. Your goal? Double consumer gasoline prices in five years using whatever means necessary.” So at first glance thsee games and the other games by Persuasive, might seem like their just innocent distractions, but before you know you’ll be throwing yourself in to a myriad of moral dilemmas and political quandaries. At least this should hold you off until GTA IV comes out in October. (Source: Wired Magazine, July ‘07)