Carmen Sandiego facts for kids
Carmen Sandiego is a super fun series of mystery video games that also became a big edutainment franchise. Edutainment means it's both entertaining and educational!
The very first game, Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?, came out in 1985. In each game, you play as a detective. Your mission is to use your knowledge of geography, history, or other subjects to track down the clever thief, Carmen Sandiego.
This popular series was first made by a company called Broderbund. Now, it's owned by The Learning Company. Their most recent game, Carmen Sandiego Returns, was released in 2015. Over the years, the Carmen Sandiego series has won more than 125 awards!
Contents
What is Carmen Sandiego?
Carmen Sandiego is a fictional master thief. She travels all over the world, stealing famous landmarks and treasures. Your job as a detective is to follow her clues. These clues often teach you about different places, cultures, or historical events.
How the Games Work
In the games, you get a case file about a new theft. You then travel to different locations around the world. At each stop, you interview witnesses and gather clues. These clues help you figure out where Carmen Sandiego went next. They also give you hints about her identity or her gang members.
For example, a clue might say, "She bought a hat in the city known for its Eiffel Tower." You would then know to look for her in Paris, France. The games make learning about the world exciting and interactive.
The History of Carmen Sandiego
The idea for Carmen Sandiego started at Broderbund. The first game was a huge success. It quickly led to many more video games. People loved the mix of adventure and learning.
The series became so popular that it expanded beyond games. There were also:
- TV shows, like the animated series Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego?
- Books and comic books
- Board games
- Even live-action game shows
This made Carmen Sandiego a well-known character around the world. She became a symbol of fun, educational entertainment.
Who Owns Carmen Sandiego Now?
Over the years, the ownership of the Carmen Sandiego franchise changed hands. It moved from Broderbund to other companies. Today, The Learning Company owns the rights to Carmen Sandiego. They continue to create new games and content. This keeps Carmen Sandiego's adventures alive for new generations of players.
