Game Needs to Change

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.

This book will appeal to game makers who want to address sustainability through the content and message of their creative work, as well as to members of the wider game industry working toward more sustainable practices—including representatives of industry organizations, publishers, platforms, and policymakers. It will also be of interest to game design and development researchers, academics, and students eager to learn more about integrating sustainability into both processes and outcomes.

Patrick Prax holds a PhD in Media Studies and is Professor in Game Design at Uppsala University. In addition to scientific publications, he has presented at GDC, delivered keynotes at game industry conferences, and spoken at the Swedish Democracy Festival. His work focuses on critical game literacy, sustainability, and anti-fascism.

Clayton Whittle is a sustainability educator, serious games designer, and climate psychologist. He received his PhD in Education from Penn State. He was the lead author of the Environmental Game Design Playbook and has worked with the Atlantic Council’s Climate Resilience Center, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, UN Environmental Programme, and IGDA.

Trevin York has been leading game development teams for over 15 years, making games that bring together engaging entertainment and real-world impacts. His recent work explores how games and play can serve as effective interdisciplinary interventions in complex contexts—like, for example, the climate crisis.