STar

Background

Socio-ecological crises and related transformation processes are increasingly shaping everyday life, yet they are often difficult to understand. There is therefore a need for new formats of knowledge transfer. Games can provide a low-threshold entry point in this context: they foster learning and reflection processes and make complex interrelations tangible and accessible.

Objectives

The aim of the project is to develop a real-world game (serious game) that makes socio-ecological challenges and transformation processes at the local and regional level tangible and understandable. Building on research on local and regional transformation dynamics from the predecessor project “ATRAKTIV”, the game illustrates how different actors bring their interests into local and regional arenas of action, what scope for action exists, and which conditions are necessary for successful transformation processes.
A particular focus lies on cooperation and the formation of alliances between different groups of actors. The game highlights that transformation processes can only be adequately addressed through collective action. At the same time, different governance approaches, instruments, and strategies can be explored in an engaging and interactive way.
Furthermore, the game aims to foster dialogue on societal challenges, stimulate reflection on one’s own position, and strengthen understanding of the complexity and uncertainties inherent in transformation processes. Through a dynamic game design, new scenarios are continuously generated, enabling repeated play, ongoing learning, and in-depth discussion.

Research Questions

• How can complex socio-ecological transformation processes be made understandable through gameplay? 
• How can local and regional challenges be translated into abstracted game scenarios? 
• Which game mechanics foster an understanding of transformative capacities? 

Approach

The project first developed the game concept and content, followed by the creation and testing of a prototype. A group of students at TU Dresden was involved in the conceptual phase; by developing three different game ideas, they generated innovative methodological insights that directly informed the game design. At the same time, the students themselves are key recipients of knowledge transfer from the research project.

Results

The project results in an analog, strategy-based game primarily aimed at families and groups of students. The game will be made publicly available and can be used in educational contexts such as school lessons or workshops.