Control is a popular action-adventure video game developed by Remedy Entertainment and published by 505 Games. The game was released on August 27, 2019, for various platforms such as PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows. Set in a mysterious and ever-changing world, the game offers an engaging storyline and thrilling gameplay experience. As an educational tool, Control presents several opportunities and strategies for teaching students about different subjects and concepts.
Plot Summary:
Control follows the story of Jesse Faden, who becomes the new Director of the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC) after finding its headquarters, known as the Oldest House. The game revolves around Jesse’s search for her missing brother while navigating through a supernatural crisis that has affected the Bureau. Alongside exploring the story, players are engaged in combat with a variety of enemies throughout the environment.
Teaching About Narrative and Storytelling:
Control offers an excellent platform to teach students about narrative structure and storytelling. The game’s storyline can be dissected to identify key elements such as characters, setting, conflict, plot development, climax, and resolution. Students can examine how these elements work together to create an immersive experience within a dynamic universe.
Encouraging Critical Thinking:
Throughout the game, players solve puzzles by experimenting with different abilities and traversing through complex environments. This aspect of Control encourages students to improve their critical thinking skills as they analyze problems and devise strategies to overcome challenges.
Analyzing Visual Design:
Control heavily incorporates surrealism and modern Brutalist architecture in its environment design. Teachers can utilize these visual elements to discuss various artistic techniques in design. Furthermore, a study of environmental storytelling will enable students to appreciate how visual elements can convey story context without explicit narrative exposition.
Understanding Game Development:
By analyzing Control’s development process, students can gain insights into various aspects of video game production like planning, prototyping, design, programming, and marketing. This knowledge can help deepen their understanding of the gaming industry and potentially ignite interest in pursuing careers within this field.
Exploring Physics and Natural Forces:
Control’s gameplay includes several telekinetic abilities like levitation, force shields, and object manipulation. Students can explore concepts of gravity, inertia, and force fields through discussions stemming from their experience playing the game.
Conclusion:
Teaching students about Control as a video game can be an efficient and engaging way to approach subjects like storytelling, critical thinking, visual design, game development, and physics. By adopting the right approach and focusing on different aspects of the game, educators can maximize the potential of Control as a teaching tool while providing a captivating and immersive learning experience for students.
