The Game Needs to Change Towards Sustainable Game Design

This book shows how games can play their part in addressing climate change and how we can sustainably make games for sustainability. Based on both industry practice and research, the chapters within this book give voice to those who are working on sustainability in and through gaming. From the ways we make games to the ways we design them to resonate with players, these perspectives offer pragmatic recommendations and concrete starting points for working toward sustainability, showing you how to get started, no matter your role.

Divided into four sections, the first section covers systemic approaches to this work, covering how change can occur at all levels of scale. Section 2 explores how stories are told toward sustainable futures across organized communities, emerging markets, journalism, and more. Section 3 critically examines ways of integrating sustainability messaging into games, with practical reflections from developers and researchers on the challenges and strategies unique to this context. Finally, Section 4 highlights individuals who bring theory into action, with personal stories demonstrating what it means to be a game developer dedicated to sustainability