Minecraft, the second biggest-selling computer game of all time, has released a free to download game to help teach children about the role Maryhill played during World War One (WWI).

The game, Building Barracks, lets the players experience what it was like to live and work in the army base in 1914.

Told through the eyes of a solider, game-play allows children to explore present-day landmarks and buildings found on the base, such as the officers’ mess, the cookhouse, the base hospital and quartermaster’s store.

Before it was decommissioned in the 1960s, the barracks was home to the Highlands Light Infantry and the Royal Highland Fusiliers. Today, it is home to Cube Housing Association’s Wyndford estate.

Recommended: Games Design Research Could Help Battle Addiction

Cube and charitable group, the Wheatley Foundation, are supporting Building Barracks as part of a wider initiative, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, to discover the history of the area.

Sophie Greene, one of the youngsters to try out the game, said: “I walked right to the edge of the barracks and I could see houses that look just like mine.

“It was amazing. You see the homes the way they were. I could even see my own home. I’ll play it again.”

Seven-year-old Sammy O’Neill added: “I like pretending to be a soldier and walking around the houses.”

Cube managing mirector David MacKenzie said: “This part of Maryhill has been transformed with massive investment in the homes and community in recent years, but we didn’t want to forget about its important history.

“The free game brings the story of the Wyndford Barracks to life and encourages young people to learn about the history of the estate in a fun and interactive way.”

Ríona McMorrow, acting head of The National Lottery Heritage Fund Scotland, said: “The impact of the First World War was far reaching, touching every corner of the UK.

“With our grants programmes, we are enabling even more communities like those involved in Wyndford People’s History Project to explore the continuing legacy of this conflict and help local young people in particular to broaden their understanding of how it has shaped our modern world.”

The game can be played at the Click & Connect centre in the nearby Maryhill Hub. The centres help people in Wheatley communities get online for free and find work, get qualifications and keep up to date with welfare reforms.

Like this: Like Loading...