The article examines the profound transformation of the media landscape driven by digital technologies and generative AI. It analyses how economic pressures, political polarization, and rapid technological change undermine quality journalism and democratic public spheres. The EU AI Act’s risk-based regulatory framework and the requirement for broad AI literacy are discussed as necessary responses. The authors argue that legal education requires new tools to understand complex sociotechnical systems. Simulation-based learning formats such as role-play and policy games enable collaborative problem-solving, critical reflection, and responsible decision-making. By integrating approaches from Social Labs, Design Thinking, and artistic indie/arthouse games, these methods enhance media and AI competence. The article recommends establishing transdisciplinary game labs, modular game series, workshops, and research collaborations to strengthen democratic discourse in an AI-driven society.