Identifying and validating game design elements in serious game guideline for climate change.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Game Design
• Science Communication

Background:

• Traditional climate change communication often fails due to passive information consumption.
• Young people, often avid gamers, represent a key demographic for innovative climate education.
• Existing serious games lack focus on carbon cycle fundamentals, limiting their educational impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and verify a guideline of game design elements for creating effective climate change games.
• To facilitate experiential learning on climate change through a carbon cycle-focused game.

Main Methods:

• A guideline of 13 game design elements was initially developed from prior research.
• Seven experts in game design and environmental science reviewed and provided feedback on the guideline.
• Expert feedback was analyzed to refine the guideline, resulting in 12 final game elements.

Main Results:

• The expert review process yielded positive feedback on the proposed game design elements.
• The guideline was successfully validated and updated based on expert consensus.
• A finalized set of 12 game design elements for climate change games was established.

Conclusions:

• The validated guideline provides a framework for developing impactful climate change serious games.
• This approach can enhance climate change awareness and attitudes towards nature, particularly among young gamers.
• The guideline supports the creation of contextually relevant games that improve knowledge of environmental issues.