Gamification to prevent climate change: a review of games and apps for sustainability. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Douglas, Benjamin D.; Brauer, Markus
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in psychology. Volume 42(2021)
• Page Start: 89
• Page End: 94
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Gamification -- Games -- Apps -- Climate change -- Sustainability; Psychology -- Periodicals; 150.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.04.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-250X

Abstract

Abstract: Gamification, the application of game design principles to a nongaming context, has been used to promote pro-environmental behaviors. Such principles have been implemented in board games, team competitions, electronic games, smartphone apps, and in apps that researchers developed primarily to collect data. We review the games and apps that have been evaluated in empirical research in the last 5 years and provide a list of apps and games that have yet to be tested. Gamification has been used for sustainability education, energy reduction, transportation, air quality, waste management, and water conservation. Although we do not know yet why certain games and apps are more effective than others, gamification appears to be a promising avenue for preventing climate change. Highlights: Gamification can be used to promote environmentally sustainable behavior. Board games are particularly effective at visualizing the effects of climate change. Apps can be used to collect data related to sustainability such as travel patterns.