After my extensive research in the last blog posts, I finally wanted to get started and simply try out what possibilities there are to change existing game concepts in such a way that a game focused on the topic of sustainability is created.
In this blog post I’m going to explain my first game idea.
The game is based on the card game “Game of Pure Strategy” (GOPS), which is normally played with a simple deck of cards.
Customizations
- There are only 12 instead of 13 cards per set.
- Each playing card is thematically adapted to sustainability. Children learn through the pictures and themes of the cards which actions are sustainable and which are not.
I created the drawings for this with AI. - Each prize card has a number that represents its negative impact on the environment. This reinforces the strategic element of the game, as children have to think about which of their cards to play in order to win the most valuable prize cards and thus “destroy” bad environmental influences.
Learning effects
- Children learn which daily actions and decisions have a positive or negative impact on the environment.
- Children have to think about which of their cards they play and when in order to win the best prize cards.
- After the game, the cards can be discussed to deepen understanding of sustainability and discuss how to act more sustainably in real life.
Set of rules
Game materials
- Player cards (12 per player)
Each card shows a picture representing a sustainable action or solution, e.g. paperless office, using public transportation or using cloth bags instead of plastic bags. The cards are numbered from 1 (low contribution to sustainability) to 12 (high contribution to sustainability). - Prize cards (12 cards)
Each card shows a picture depicting an unsustainable action or situation, e.g. leaving lights on, fast fashion or using plastic bottles. These cards are also numbered from 1 (low negative impact) to 12 (high negative impact).
Game preparation
- Prepare the decks of cards
Each player receives a deck of 12 player cards. The 12 prize cards are shuffled and placed face down in the middle. - Prepare the playing area
The players sit opposite each other and place their decks in front of them.
Rules of the game
- Drawing a prize card
At the start of each round, a prize card is revealed and placed in the middle. - Choosing a card
Each player chooses a card from their deck and places it face down in front of them. - Reveal and compare
Both players reveal their cards at the same time. The player with the higher card wins the prize card. In the event of a draw, the prize card remains in the middle and is played in the next round in addition to the new prize card. - End of the round
The played player cards are removed from the game. The next round begins with a new prize card being revealed. - End of the game
The game ends when all prize cards have been won. The player with the most points, based on the numbers of the prize cards won, wins the game.
The game is supposed to be an exciting and educational card game that helps children to learn more about environmental protection and sustainable action through play. By combining strategy and education, the game offers an entertaining way to promote and reinforce sustainable behavior.
Back of the cards
Examples for the design of the price cards
Examples for the design of the playing cards
