Gamification in Climate Action: Understanding the Role of Game Technologies and Participatory Engagement

Abstract

The imperative to address climate change has led to innovative approaches, one of which is the application of gamification. This paper explores the potential of gamification to mitigate climate change by enhancing eco-education, simulating scientific scenarios, and providing policy feedback. It argues that gamification, through its ability to engage users in a “magic circle” of play, can foster a participatory culture that encourages behavioral changes aligned with climate mitigation strategies. The objective is to shift the focus from merely improving gamification's effectiveness to leveraging the gaming industry's potential to directly contribute to reducing personal carbon footprints and shaping power consumption habits through gaming. It concludes that gamification and the gaming industry can play a significant role in climate change mitigation by transforming players' behaviors and by establishing a virtual carbon credit market that incentivizes sustainable practices.