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Goldfields (video game) facts for kids

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Goldfields
Developer(s) Jacaranda Software
Publisher(s) Jacaranda Software
Platform(s)
Release date(s)
  • 1986
  • 2007
Genre(s) simulation game
Mode(s) Single-player

Goldfields is a computer game that takes you back in time! It lets you experience what life was like during a gold rush in the 1800s. Imagine being a gold miner, searching for valuable treasure. This game is a "simulation game." This means it tries to copy real-life situations, making you feel like you're really there.

Digging into Goldfields

Goldfields was first thought up by Trevor Jacob. It was then created and released by a company called Jacaranda Software in Australia in 1986. The game first came out for several different computers. These included the Apple II, BBC Micro, Commodore 64, and IBM compatible systems. Later, a version for Macintosh computers was made using a program called Hypercard.

What Came with the Game?

When you bought the original Goldfields game, it wasn't just a disk. It came with a special package! This included the game disk itself. There was also a guide for teachers. It had four black-line masters, which are like special worksheets. Plus, it included a copy of a book. This book was either A Goldfields Journal or A Guide to Prospective Gold Seekers. These extras helped make the game a great learning tool.

Why People Liked Goldfields

When Goldfields first came out, people really liked it. A magazine called Australian Educational Computing said it was very useful. They thought it was great for both older primary school kids and high school students. It was especially good for social science classes. Another good review came from the Australian Journal of Reading in 1986. Even though the game is quite old now, it is still well-loved. People see it as a fun way to learn about mining and money. It also has exciting action parts mixed in.

Goldfields Today

Goldfields stayed popular with kids and teachers for many years. Because of this, it was completely remade in 2007. A company called Greygum Software bought the rights to the game. Jacaranda Software had closed down in the early 1990s. Greygum Software updated Goldfields for newer computers. This new version worked on Windows XP and Macintosh OSX. This means new generations of kids can still enjoy the gold rush adventure!

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