The radio program embedded below, discussed how certain new games such as Riot and and Spirits of Spring actually make you, as part of the game, empathize with the character. As the linked story notes " RIOT is a video game that simulates riots that have actually happened in places such as Egypt and Italy. In Spirits of Spring, you play a young Cree boy who is bullied."
Good article and these might be something for educators or others to consider
Why empathy is the next big thing in video games