New book explores how games shape the world – for better or for worse

Playing With Reality
Kelly Clancy (Allen Lane (UK); Riverhead (US))

Gaming is a prehistoric innovation that first came into vogue when domesticated animals and agriculture were still considered emerging technologies. Many of the most compelling and enduring games invite people to engage with simplified models of reality where they can practise reasoning and decision-making skills. Games have even inspired military strategists and economists to harness games-style thinking and simulations when trying to understand how the world works or predict the future.

Kelly Clancy’s book Playing with…