Middle and high school students can now explore the global impact of the Declaration of Independence through a new online game created by iCivics and The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
The game, Investigation Declaration, casts players as “Agent 6” in a fictional Bureau of Ideas. Their mission is to restore corrupted files about freedom, democracy and rights by traveling through time and connecting Enlightenment ideas across the 13 colonies.
“It’s about taking hard-to-teach concepts and making them playful and engaging,” said Carrie Ray-Hill, senior director of digital learning at iCivics, which is based in Massachusetts. “Students can explore, experiment and see how ideas moved across nations.”
The game earned a 2025 Gee! Learning Game Award in an international competition for its innovation. In announcing the win, the Gee Awards committee noted, “It nailed core principles of great game-based learning—showing how a game can teach deeply while keeping players hooked.”
Inspired by classics such as “Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?” and more recent puzzle adventures, it encourages students to investigate, make connections and piece together the spread of ideas such as natural rights and the social contract.
“This isn’t just a U.S. history story, it’s a world history story,” said Heather Nice, executive director of strategic projects and partnerships at Colonial Williamsburg. “The Declaration influenced Haiti, Venezuela and even the early women’s rights movement. The game shows students how connected the world really was.”
The project marks the second collaboration between iCivics and Colonial Williamsburg, following last year’s “Uncovering Loyalties” game. The organizations see digital education as a way to expand their reach beyond classrooms and historic sites.
“Education is at the core of Colonial Williamsburg’s mission,” Nice said. “Games like this let us meet students where they are online.”
The launch of “Investigation Declaration” comes as Colonial Williamsburg prepares to host its annual Educators Appreciation Night on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. Now in its fourth year, the free event offers teachers and school staff an evening of networking, refreshments and an opportunity to explore new classroom resources.
Last year’s event drew about 150 educators. This year, attendees will preview the game, explore exhibits, and connect with representatives from Colonial Williamsburg’s education, archaeology and youth programs.
“Teachers always ask, ‘How can I bring this experience back to my classroom?’” Nice said. “This event gives us the chance to show them what’s available whether it’s lesson plans, field trips or free online games.”
With the 250th anniversary of the Declaration approaching in 2026, organizers hope the game will spark new conversations in history classrooms.
“History isn’t static, it’s alive, connected, and still shaping the world today,” Nice said. “That’s what this game is all about.”
The game is available here in English and Spanish with support materials for teachers.