This is a pretty fun idea. It is a word game in which you try and define words, the more you get right the more free rice is donated to hungry people around the world. FreeRice has a custom database containing thousands of words at varying degrees of difficulty.

The game automatically adjusts to your level of vocabulary. It starts by giving you words at different levels of difficulty and then, based on how you do, assigns you an approximate starting level. You then determine a more exact level for yourself as you play. When you get a word wrong, you go to an easier level. When you get three words in a row right, you go to a harder level. They claim that this one-to-three ratio is best for keeping you at the “outer fringe” of your vocabulary, where learning can take place. There are 50 levels in all, but the site claims it is rare for people to get above level 48.

The rice is paid for by the advertisers you see at the bottom of the screen while you play, and the rice is distributed by the United Nations. I am fascinated by the ability of games to make positive change in the world. I think that deep down we all want to play games, it is something built into us. I am glad that people are starting to tap into the full potential of play to do good things.