Simulation Gaming is a non-formal educational methodology that supports participants acquire various life skills. Within a given scenario, mirroring conflicts faced by society; the participants are challenged to deal with economic and social problems by taking over the role of a stakeholder in the respective situation. Simulation games in general can cover a wide variety of issues and therefore can be a great tool to improve one’s social skills as well as general knowledge. Through fostering understanding of a given topic; simulation games improve people’s empathy and help stimulate their self-reflection capacities. Moreover, simulation games promote critical thinking through discussions and negotiations that lead to making decisions in the game. Through this method, participants get to see life from different perspectives, leading to unpredictable dynamics in which one’s own interests are not only questioned but also challenged by others as well as one’s own self. This intense experience encourages the participants to further think about not only the respective topic at hand but also about what the experience of other individuals is like. Simulation games can be used as a social laboratory, offering opportunities to test alternative concepts and approaches.

Learning Goals:
• Understanding complex situations;
• Discovering new perspectives;
• Testing alternative solutions;
• Experience a risk-free environment;
• Raising mutual understanding.