Serious Games

Social Impact Games covers Serious Games: entertaining games used for purposes beyond just entertainment. Over 200 games are sorted into categories such as educational, public policy, and advergames. Unfortunately, most of the games aren't playable - the majority are still under development or cost money. Many of the links are dead, too.

Nevertheless, Social Impact Games points out some free and accessible games, such as the UN Food Progam mission simulator and Virtual U, a university management SimCity-type game. The Better Business game from British Telecom puts you in the role of a CEO who has to delicately balance the concerns of customers, stockholders, and pressure groups.

Social Impact Games also has a detailed list of books and other reference materials on this growing phenomenum.

Update -
///slash\\\ has a good comment, but Blogger won't let me publish it for some reason:
"Came across your site while I was searching for comments on Gladwell's "Talent Myth". This is also an interesting site that is trying out gaming as a medium for purposes other than interactive entertainment. "

Agreed. Both the September 12 and Madrid games are pretty cool.