I‘ve written about interactive fiction, also known as text adventures, in previous posts. These are games, often online, where you play using text instead of your computer mouse. You’re given choices during the game, and have to actually write the words.
There are obvious language-development opportunities in these kinds of game, thought they tend to only be accessible to high-Intermediate or Advanced English Language Learners.
Here’s a newer one called 9:05. You can get some clues from this post at Jay Is Games.
I’ll be placing the link on my website under Word & Video Games.
Are you a gamer yourself Larry?
I played through 9:05, it was a bit frustrating to remember what to type and how to type specifically what the game wanted, but I think that’s definitely the appeal; forcing ESL students to really concentrate on the syntax of what they’re saying.
I played through to the surprise ending (which was a bit gruesome), so I’m guessing you must work with mostly high school students that can handle a little violence.