Hispanic culture has always been underrepresented in mainstream games. For Hispanic parents like you and me, this could mean our children losing interest in what makes them who they are and what they stand for.
This fear drove me to find games that I could use to connect my children with their culture, and luckily, I’ve hit the jackpot. I’ve found four games that perfectly blend Hispanic cultural elements with entertainment and convenience.
You can enjoy each of these games online with a fast and reliable internet connection. If you’re currently looking, you might want to consider Xfinity. They’re fast and reliable, and also allow Spanish speakers to reach out to Xfinity en Español, making it easier to set up.
Now, without further ado, let’s explore 4 online games representing Latino culture.
Canticos Bilingual Preschool
Available on: Android, iOS
This game is perfect to teach children above 3 Spanish and English language using games, songs, books, and videos. It helps develop foundational skills in your children using methods such as letter sound, letter and number recognition, and counting games in both languages.
Their features, such as voice instructions and large arrows, are focused on helping your children boost their creativity and imagination, while being easy and intuitive to use. Some of these include phonics, number sense games, read-along books, and sing-along videos. You can choose between either language using the speech bubble button on the top right corner of your screen.
As a parent, you can also access information such as your subscription information, the game’s social media links, and its privacy policy, to name a few, in a password-protected section for parents.
Mundo Lanugo – Juega y Aprende
Available on: Android, iOS
Another game for children above 3, this one focuses on immersing kids into our language and vibrant culture using a range of simple and interactive videos, games, and activities. The game introduces kids to Gloria (as Latino as it gets, isn’t it?), a little sheep that guides them through each part of the process.
Each of the game’s videos helps children learn about Spanish vocabulary, such as colors, foods, or the names of different objects, to name a few.
It also brings Hispanic cultural elements, such as phrases, into the videos to strengthen cultural bonds. During the entire learning process, important Hispanic values such as responsibility, kindness, and good manners are highlighted.
Similar to the previous one, there’s also a password-protected section in this app, where you can view the games’ social media pages.
Mayan Mysteries
Available on: iOS
The story-based game is for kids 10 and above. Sounds like a documentary from its name, I know, and maybe that’s because it works the same way by teaching your children about their history, particularly the Mayan culture.
Your kids will get to read a lot about the Mayan Civilization, such as its customs, geographical details, and historical significance, and follow explorers to uncover different Mayan artifacts. Throughout their journey, the game will test and help enhance their memory and knowledge using quizzes that they have to complete to move ahead.
The best part is that there is no negative element to the game. The characters embody positive values. There’s no concept of losing, as kids can try again and again until they succeed, and the positive message of respecting different cultures and norms is enforced throughout.
Guacamelee
Available on: Steam, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
For kids above 10 who love a challenge, this game might just be worth your while, and even more so if you’re Mexican. That’s because the game uses one of Mexican culture’s most thrilling parts, Lucha Libre, to entertain and familiarize your children with their culture.
Your children play as a farmer named Juan, who has to master the skills a luchador (wrestler) needs to rescue the daughter of El Presidente (President), while stopping an evil skeleton named Carlos Calaca from merging the living world with the dead.
You might be thinking that the game’s all about fighting, but let me correct you because it’s much more than that. It helps your children develop critical thinking skills as they also have to solve many puzzles and pass through tricky areas. Oh, and there’s also a multiplayer feature, so you don’t have to worry about social interaction and teaching your kids to work as part of a team.
By heavily reinforcing Mexican culture and folklore in a fast-paced and challenging environment, this game can help your children learn about their culture while enjoying a wild ride.
Gaming – Connecting Hispanic Kids to Their Culture in a Way They Like
Our culture, values, and traditions are what define us, and connecting your kids with these important elements will help them find themselves and stay true to who they are. This connection provides your kids with a strong foundation for self-understanding, a sense of continuity, and a framework for navigating the world.
Gaming can be an entertaining and engaging way to help your kids do all the above. With the games above, you can help your kids learn the language, explore various cultural elements, interact with others, and develop skills that can help them through each phase of life.
