Gamification sounds like something that came out of the modern technology age but in reality, gamification is probably older than any sort of technology we know and use today. Understanding personal finances is a huge undertaking and gamification has been applied to that too. So if you love your games and want to improve your personal finances here are some of the best games to teach you finance.
Monopoly
If you like board games and group activities this one will do for you. We all know monopoly in one version or another of it. The board game is really all about investing and cash flow. It puts paid to the “we all have the same 24 hours” thinking and teaches you the importance of looking at the cash flow characteristics of your decisions rather than hoping for the best. Once you master the cash flow concept you can have fun beating the pants off your friends and family and most importantly have a clear view of your financial decisions.
Shadysam
In Shady Sam, your character is a loan shark. There is no nice way of putting it. Your goal is to manage this loan sharking business such that it stays operational and cash flow positive. The game overall teaches you a lot about running a business. You also have the benefit of looking at lending from the other side of the table and get a bit of a deeper understanding of how loan sharks and credit providers can take advantage of people in dire situations.
The Uber Game
As the name suggests you play a gig economy worker who is presented urgent financial needs in their life such as bills and emergencies. Your goal is of course to raise money for these goals through accepting jobs from Uber. The gig economy is its own beast and this game will teach you a thing or two about managing your finances and prioritising your finances.
Cashflow 101
According to creator Robert Kiyosaki, this game was made along the line of thinking that created the game of Monopoly. Cashflow 101 attempts to make the lessons embedded in cashflow more practically applicable by using financial situations that are more relatable to the average everyday person. It is part of a training course by Kiyosaki but can be enjoyed as a standalone game.
Money magic
Money magic is a great way to learn about running a business. You are tasked with helping a magician named Enzo to raise money for a trip to Las Vegas. To achieve this you will have to navigate advertising, saving, daily needs, maintenance and the shop. It’s a great way to learn practical elements of running a business and balancing finances between present needs and longer-term goals.
Fantasy Stock Exchange
If you want to learn about the stock exchange without committing then Fantasy Stock Exchange may be the game for you. It uses real data derived from the London Stock exchange which you can use to simulate investing and trading on the stock exchange. This game is all about learning the principles and practices that will make you a successful investor. These principles and practices can be adapted to the real exchanges, even the ZSE and eventually the VFEX.
The Game of Life
Originally created more than 150 years ago, The Game of Life has entertained and educated families for generations. Like Monopoly, it is now available in a variety of versions and has been revised several times. You win the game by accumulating the largest net worthwhile choosing paths that simulate real-life choices, such as family size and career. You can play The Game of Life with two to six players, or enjoy the “Twists and Turns” version with two to four players. Both versions are suitable for players ages nine and older.
Are there any games you know that are really good at teaching people about finances?
