In today’s interconnected world, grappling with complex global issues can often feel like trying to untangle a knot with no end in sight. However, in recent years, an unexpected ally has emerged in this battle for understanding: serious games. They leverage the engaging and interactive nature of gaming to facilitate learning, behaviour change, skill development, and problem-solving.

In a recent article for the Sierra Magazine one of our Senior Game Designers – Michalina Kułakowska, was interviewed by Kate Fishman. The discussion revolved around games, conservation biology, complexity and  game-like-apps that promote citizen science (research conducted by amateur or non-professional scientists). Michalina talked about the Games4Sustainability – a site that is a library (or Gamepedia) of a variety of games that address sustainability issues. 

Serious games and social simulations offer a unique medium through which individuals can interact with complex systems, experiment with different strategies, and witness the consequences of their actions in a safe and controlled environment. By immersing players in simulated scenarios, games have the power to cultivate empathy, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of global issues (see Papathanasiou et al., 2019; Mochizuki et al., 2018).

Moreover, with the rise of game-like apps promoting citizen science, such as those discussed in the interview (iNaturalist, and Seek), gaming transcends mere entertainment and becomes a vehicle for meaningful participation in real-world problem-solving.

This article was a great summary of our work, since we too believe that in an increasingly complex world, games are proving to be invaluable in untangling the knots of global issues and empowering action towards a more sustainable future.