Teaching with the Game

"Night of the Living Debt" is an educational video game developed by the Learning Games Lab at New Mexico State University. The game is designed to teach financial literacy to players, particularly focusing on the concepts of debt management and credit scores. The game is designed to be used in educational settings, such as classrooms or workshops, to promote financial literacy among high school students and young adults.

The game employs a zombie apocalypse as a metaphor for the perils of unmanaged debt, turning what could be a dry or intimidating subject into an playful experience. This theme allows players to confront financial challenges in a light-hearted way, making the learning process less stressful and more enjoyable.

In "Night of the Living Debt," different types of debt are personified as unique zombies that must be kept at bay with payments. Failure to pay reduces your credit score. Players must make strategic choices about borrowing, spending, and saving, with the goal of achieving financial stability and avoiding financial ruin. The game presents real-world financial situations in a way that is accessible and entertaining, helping players understand the consequences of different financial decisions.