Understanding climate change is critical to mobilizing resources for the design and implementation of solutions. And games are increasingly seen as an effective tool for climate communication and education.
Games can help inspire curiosity, optimism and problem-solving, all of which are crucial elements in the collective impact to address climate change. Games are also used by organizations like the military to help people evaluate and make decisions regarding complex material. And, digital games in particular can be easily distributed and used in a wide range of settings, making them a valuable tool in reaching diverse audiences.
Now, through the Games for Change Climate Challenge, you can be a climate game-changer. Presented by the PoLAR Partnership, Autodesk and Games for Change, the competition invites people around the world to develop a digital game prototype that focuses on scientifically grounded climate solutions, such as preventing carbon emissions, preparing for climate impacts, and promoting public awareness and understanding.
No game development experience is necessary to submit an entry—all experience levels are welcome to participate. Scientists, educators and students are especially encouraged to create and submit a prototype.
Four finalists will receive free travel and accommodations to present their prototype to a panel of judges, live, on stage at the Games for Change Festival in New York City, June 23-24. Finalists will also receive full festival passes. One winner will receive a $10,000 prize to support further development of their game. The prize is coming from the Columbia Climate Center.
The Games for Change Climate Challenge is part a suite of activities led by the PoLAR Partnership that promote innovative approaches to climate education, including the development and use of games to help increase awareness and understanding of climate change. Other similar events that PoLAR has hosted include the first National Climate Game Jam as well as Game Nights and Climate Change Game Workshops, held at the American Geophysical Union’s fall meetings.
To learn more about the challenge, visit the official website
at http://www.gamesforchange.org/climatechallenge/.
