At Hegemonic Project Games, we’ve always believed that board games can be more than entertainment. They can be a window into how the world actually works. That belief is why we actively support academic institutions in using our games as part of the teaching process. Recently, we saw this idea come to life in a way that truly humbled us.
The Força Aérea Portuguesa (The Portuguese Air Force) used World Order during its International Relations and Global Studies curriculum. The game was not treated as a casual activity, but as a formal simulation designed to help future officers translate abstract theory into applied strategic thinking.
How the game was used
Military organizations value structure and precision, and the Academy adapted World Order to meet their specific training objectives:
Team-based command
Instead of individual players, each superpower was represented by a three-person team. This required students to debate decisions internally, coordinate their strategies, and justify every move to their peers.
The “military debrief”
After each round, instructors led a structured debrief. Students were asked to explain their decisions and board positions using real-world historical examples and contemporary geopolitical contexts.
Focus on core power dynamics
To keep the simulation within a focused three-hour session, the Academy reduced market mechanics and accelerated influence placement. This shift pushed participants to rely on strategic positioning, alliance-building, and diplomatic pressure rather than economic optimization.
The impact
The feedback from both the commanding officer and the students was very helpful. Instructors noted that even students who had previously struggled to engage with the material became deeply involved in the “crisis management” aspects of the simulation. Concepts such as balance of power, strategic risk, and escalation moved from abstract theory to lived experience at the table.
As the Academy described it, the exercise provided a “highly immersive and realistic replication of the decision-making processes of major powers”.
Why this matters to us
World Order was created to bridge the gap between academic theory and interactive play. Seeing it used as a serious educational tool for future military leaders is a powerful validation of that goal. It reinforces our belief that when a game is built with academic rigor, it can become a meaningful way to explore the systems that shape global politics.
We are deeply grateful to the Academy for sharing their methodology and insights with us. Experiences like this motivate us to keep pushing the boundaries of what board games can achieve in education.