Games on Climate Change: Identifying Development Potentials through Advanced Classification and Game Characteristics Mapping

Abstract

The challenges posed to humanity by climate change require innovative approaches. Well-designed games are powerful tools with the potential to support solving climate related challenges. In this article, we present a mapping review study of games that address climate change issues (climate games). In a search and selection process, we identified 115 climate games that were classified by applying a newly developed game typology. This allowed gaining an overview of existing climate games and identifying potentials for future game development. The game classification revealed that the majority of climate games (75%) were designed for learning purposes and addressed heterogeneous target audiences such as students, professionals, or the “general public”. The identified games covered a wide range of characteristics, e.g., regarding the topic addressed, player interaction, game-play, level of abstraction, or the media used for play. Nevertheless, we identified areas where only few or no games were found. These “gaps” provide opportunities where future games could help solving climate challenges and include, amongst others, games designed for professionals to address specific needs and games that create a direct impact outside the game environment. Regarding game design, experimenting with the abstraction of games is currently underexplored and offers potential for future developments.

Identifying and validating game design elements in serious game guideline for climate change

“…The game failed to improve the players’ knowledge on environmental issues ( Fjællingsdal and Klöckner, 2019 ). Additionally, the Urban Climate Architect game by Games4USustainability did not include the carbon cycle (but has natural elements, like plants) and was also found incapable of allowing players to gain substantial insights into complex environmental systems ( Gerber et al., 2021 ). Carbon Command and Carbon Runner, both developed by Green Ninja in 2018, are mini games designed for young kids.…”

“Let Us Save Venice”—An Educational Online Maze Game for Climate Resilience

“…In the context of climate change, these classifications are not directly applicable. Authors such as [5] present a comprehensive review of serious and simulation games on climate change and propose a new typology for their classification. It applies some generic dimensions and characteristics suitable to any game and some specific ones (topic, system-level) appropriate for a particular topical area.…”

“…The topics of climate change and climate resilience are still new in vocational education and life-long learning. At the same time, it is observed that serious games or games with a purpose other than pure entertainment have considerable impact especially in the field of climate change education [5]. By making a balance between learning and fun, serious games for learning are recognized as a powerful and persuasive tool, encouraging participation, ideation, and discussions among stakeholders.…”

“…However, ref. [5] underline that the potential of serious games in climate change is not limited to education or raising awareness. Serious games can be increasingly efficient in the life-long learning context and for reaching a larger target audience.…”

Climate Adaptation as an Economic Challenge: Finding Business Strategies by Game-based Learning

“…must be considered. Gerber et al (2021) analysed in their systematic literature review climate related game-based learning. Here the majority of games include, besides a specific goal and competitive character, also the element of collaboration among the players, who usually take on different roles.…”