Law and Video Games: Teaching Tool, Being Cool
Today is Video Games Day (or at least one of them). What does this have to do with law? Not a whole lot, admittedly, but heck, give me a topic and I'll make it work on a law blog. (See: Ides of March, dog breeds, and online dating.)
When "Video Games Day" popped up on my calendar, two thoughts immediately popped into my head: a particular Nintendo game and Stephanie Kimbro's startup. One of these will help your coolness factor with the kids, while the other could be a valuable teaching and business development tool.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (See Kids, My Job Isn't Boring!)
When your kids ask what you do, how do you respond? "Umm, I analyze corporate disclosures, perform due diligence ... [zzzzz]."
Congrats. You've just been replaced as the coolest person in the world by the two princesses in Disney's "Frozen." And while they are a tough pair to beat head-to-head, if you want your child to think that the practice of law is anything but a boring, soul-sucking, substance abuse-encouraging profession (kidding, a bit), the solution lies in video games.
Phoenix Wright is the protagonist in a video game franchise that turns criminal defense into a series of fun mysteries -- there's no plea bargaining here. Somehow, these games are interesting enough to have spawned multiple spin-off series and a movie in Japan. Personally, I'll stick with Madden NFL Football.
Game On Law (Teach Law, Get Clients?)
This is one of the more interesting legal startups we've seen in a while. Instead of reinventing something, or saying "it's like Facebook, but for lawyers!," Game on Law is a startup that wants to use a video game to teach estate-planning topics. And according to the site, later versions might include discounts on estate-planning services if you finish the game. (Great for getting clients in the door.)
Also intriguing is the company's Eviction Game, currently being developed for the Illinois Legal Aid Society. You play the evil landlord, kicking people out of their homes and maximizing profits. (Great for teaching legal concepts to laypeople.)
This startup is out of left field, out of "the box," and a completely unique and original approach to educating laypeople on law (and nabbing clients). We can't wait to see how it turns out.
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Related Resources:
- Code Curious? Five Resources for Lawyers to Learn Coding (FindLaw's Technologist)
- Law Sucks. What Else is There? Legal Startup Companies (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)
- TLDs: Google Enters Domain Game With .esq; .io Controversy (FindLaw's Technologist)