Wikipedia says: "A serious game is a board, card, or computer game that is not primarily or exclusively for entertainment, but may contain such elements. Serious games—as well as educational games—share the common goal of conveying information and education; this should be done in as balanced a way as possible with entertainment aspects." Serious games are already being used more and more in schools. They convey knowledge in a playful way and meet the tech-savvy generations where they are in their reality.

An excursion into research on serious games on the topic of "change towards greater sustainability" reveals various trends in the design of games and research on them. These trends offer potential for further research, but also for the development of games. One trend is the integration of real-world conditions into a game. This can provide a better understanding of one's own options for action. An example: In one application, data on the real energy consumption of players is integrated. Various savings scenarios can then be played out in the virtual world. The effects on personal energy consumption are thus easily visible.

There is a research project entitled "Potential of serious games as a tool for promoting sustainability" being conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE). In this project, the Fraunhofer Institute is working together with the German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) to explore and harness the diverse potential of game-based approaches for creating awareness of sustainability. The development of the specific game "Little Impacts" was in the hands of a development studio. The game was presented in April of this year. The description of the free app is as follows: "Little Impacts" is an interactive novel about the story of young environmental activist Leah and her conservative father Rolf, who doesn't even know what to make of sustainability. At the annual family celebration, their argument escalates, whereupon all family members, except for father Rolf, jointly decide to change something in their lives over the course of the next year. Players support Leah and her family on their journey to a sustainable life by completing small puzzles and everyday tasks. For example, you help Leah's cousin Mailin find an apartment or Leah's grandmother invest sustainably."

The app is available for Android and iOS in the respective online stores. If you're now interested in trying out "Little Impacts," you can find the links in the list below.

If you are interested in analog and digital games on the topic of sustainability, then take a look at the "Play Green" website. Here you will find a large selection of games covering all areas mentioned in the sustainability goals. You can also find this link in our list of links.