Playing for the climate: How Serious Games drive awareness and action

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and its complexity often makes it difficult to explain—and even harder to grasp. How can we bring this reality closer to people, especially young audiences, in a way that is clear, engaging, and encourages action? The MAIA project has found an answer in a space that might initially surprise: games. 

MAIA and the power of games

One of MAIA’s initiatives is the creation of an educational card game designed to explore climate change in schools. Through this resource—which will also be shared via museums and cultural institutions—students can learn by playing, understanding climate challenges while imagining concrete actions to address them.

This approach is part of a wider trend: the use of Serious Games and gamification. Serious Games are designed not just for entertainment but with educational or social goals. Gamification, on the other hand, applies game-like dynamics in other contexts—such as education or communication—to make them more motivating and engaging.

Learning becomes a game

The value of this trend lies in its immersive and participatory approach. It’s not just about reading or listening to information—it’s about experiencing it firsthand. This allows complex scientific concepts to become more understandable and encourages reflection and even behavioural change.

Some examples include:

• The Climate Fresk – a collaborative card workshop based on IPCC reports that helps participants understand climate science. Link
• Mission 1.5 (UNDP) – a mobile/web game where players vote on climate actions and see how their decisions influence global policy outcomes. Link
• Keep Cool – a board game that puts players in the shoes of governments negotiating economic interests versus climate commitments. Link

All three demonstrate that playing can be a serious way to tackle serious challenges.

Mapping Serious Games for climate change

To learn from existing experiences, MAIA conducted a mapping of serious games on climate change at global, European, and local levels. This exercise identified different approaches: games to understand science, games that encourage personal and collective decision-making, games simulating political negotiations, and games exploring community adaptation and resilience.

This overview shows that there are many ways to connect science and citizens through play: from card workshops to mobile apps and large-scale digital games. They all share the same goal: making climate change understandable and motivating real action.

Playing is acting

The trend of serious games is growing fast. In a moment when society needs to engage actively in the fight against climate change, these tools offer a creative, participatory, and inspiring path.

MAIA’s card game, combined with knowledge drawn from international mapping, demonstrates how entertainment can turn into education and commitment. In other words, playing doesn’t just mean having fun—it can be a way to learn, engage, and prepare for the challenges of climate change.

Learn More About Serious Games

Here are some key categories of climate-related serious games, with links so readers can explore further:

Fate of the World: Link

Awareness and Education

The Climate Fresk: Link

LogiCity: Link

Ice Flows: Link

BBC Climate Challenge: Link

Behavioural Change & Responsibility

Survive the Century: Link

Mission 1.5: Link

Carbon City Zero: Link

Invest in the Future: Link

Decision-Making & Negotiation

Climate Action Simulation (MIT/Climate Interactive): Link

Keep Cool: Link

Cantor’s World: Link

Adaptation: Link

Adaptation, Resilience & Systems Thinking

Act to Adapt (Red Cross / Plan International): Link

PHUSICOS NBS Roleplay Simulation: Link

Vallacambio: Link

Eco: Link

Narrative & Emotional Engagement

Our Climate Story: Link

Terra Nil: Link

VigiFlood: Link

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Created with funding from the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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