The 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 give voice to those who are working on sustainability in gaming and through gaming. From the ways we make games to the ways we design games that resonate with players, these perspectives offer pragmatic recommendations and concrete starting points for working towards sustainability, showing you how to get started no matter your role.

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

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