I wanted to write a post to introduce Kerbal Space Program to some of you who may be unfamiliar with it. Many people nowadays are very split when it come to gaming; some people spend every second of their free time on it, and some see it as a complete waste of time. I disagree with both sides. I believe that gaming should be an experience that is both entertaining and useful. I believe Kerbal Space Program is the perfect example of this.
So what is Kerbal Space Program. Simply, it is a flight and space simulator. But it is much more than that, players learn and design aircraft and spacecraft with which they travel across the solar system.
But the magic of Kerbal Space Program lies in the range of people who play it. If you have absolutely no engineering or piloting experience, you will thoroughly enjoy this game. If you are an Astrophysics professor at MIT, you will thoroughly enjoy this game. The game consists of so much information and player freedom, such that it caters to any skill level of players and let's them fulfill their wildest dreams. Want to travel to another planet? No problem. Want to build a Space Station? No problem.
So why am I posting this? Mostly because I want to prove that gaming can be one of the greatest learning experiences of the 21st century. In the three or so years that I've been playing this game, I've learned more about space travel than I ever knew could be known. The game never stops captivating my imagination, as there are so many paths a player can choose to follow, or even come up with their own. Most importantly, I think this game will help prepare this generation for humanity's destination, a future in space.
