Playing with the Climate Crisis
Playing with the Climate Crisis
Adam Clare, Professor & Program Coordinator, Game Level Design, Sheridan College
Adam Clare
This presentation encapsulates two years of work across three projects, all dedicated to addressing the climate crisis through game design. The first game focuses on rescuing an endangered fish species in the context of Ontario using real world data. The second game provides an immersive journey that grants players unprecedented access to the intricate mechanisms governing the microscopic world within a plant. The third game delves into the intricate interplay of policy decisions and their effects on climate change within communities.
These games were all made by combining the knowledge and experience of game designers and subject matter experts at different institutions. This talk will cover how the team put game mechanics first and how we ensured that every piece of knowledge was communicated in the rules. The talk will also cover the funding models of the games and how that also impacted development as multiple institutions were involved.
Throughout development, our unwavering commitment to eco-conscious game design and confronting the climate crisis head-on has led to success for both games and players, all while (hopefully) fostering a positive impact on our planet.
Attendee Benefits
Actionable advice will cover integrating environmental themes, fostering engagement, and inspiring players to consider their roles in tackling climate challenges. Attendees will gain insights into the development processes of three distinct games: one focusing on species conservation, another offering a VR exploration of plant life at the microscopic level, and the third highlighting the impact of policy decisions on climate change in a museum setting. Attendees will learn ways to connect game mechanics directly with environmental messages from subject matter experts.
Since how games get made impact what they become, attendees will get insights into how multiple institutions worked together to create distinct games from various funding sources. Ultimately, attendees will leave equipped with practical insights to create impactful, climate-conscious games that resonate with diverse demographics.