2024-12-10
In our regular series, we’re providing the ‘need-to-know’ on a whole host of issues, topics and initiatives around the climate challenge. Here, we’re looking at The GREAT (Games Realising Effective & Affective Transformation) Project, in which PlanetPlay is an active participant as part of its work with the UNDP and the Play2Act global gamer climate survey…
What does The GREAT Project aim to achieve in terms of specific outcomes for policy changes and citizen engagement?
The GREAT Project aims to demonstrate how games can foster social engagement and create new forms of dialogue between citizens and policymakers. It seeks to generate actionable insights through case studies that explore how games can be used to reflect consumer preferences and attitudes on policy issues, particularly in the context of the climate emergency. The project intends to influence policy by leveraging games as tools to collect data, engage consumers, and facilitate discussions on complex social issues.
Who are the key partners involved in The GREAT Project?
The GREAT Project is a collaborative effort involving multiple research institutions, game developers, and policy stakeholders. Key partners include experts in games, data analytics, and policy from various participating academic institutions include Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education (DIPF), Zentrum für Soziale Innovation (ZSI), Bolton University, Oxford University, and Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR).
What are the specific types of games The GREAT Project will be exploring to facilitate dialogue between citizens and policymakers?
The project will explore both short, widely deployed games in popular mobile platforms (reaching millions of players) and longer, collaborative games that involve smaller groups in social dilemma scenarios. The short games are designed to gather quantitative data on a large scale, while the longer games provide in-depth qualitative insights. Both types of games are adapted from existing platforms and used as research tools to gather valuable data for policymakers.
How will The GREAT Project ensure that the games created are accessible and inclusive for a broad and/or specific audience?
Accessibility and inclusivity are core aspects of the GREAT Project. By adapting games from existing popular platforms, the project ensures that they are accessible to a broad audience. The design of the games is also intended to resonate with diverse user groups, ensuring that various perspectives are included in the dialogues between citizens and policymakers.
How does The GREAT Project measure the success of its initiatives in fostering dialogue between citizens and policymakers?
Success in the GREAT Project is measured by the impact the games have on facilitating meaningful dialogue between citizens and policymakers. This includes evaluating the data collected from gameplay, the quality of the interactions between players and policy stakeholders, and the tangible outcomes in terms of policy influence. The project also aims to publish research findings and provide technical resources to further support the use of games in policy contexts.
Does The GREAT Project have any plans to disseminate its findings or recommendations to a wider audience beyond the research community?
Yes, the GREAT Project plans to widely disseminate its findings through various channels, including academic publications, technical reports, and public engagement activities. The project is also committed to sharing its insights and recommendations with policymakers, game developers, and the general public to maximise the impact of its research.
To find out more, follow GREAT on LinkedIn, X and Blue Sky, or visit https://www.greatproject.gg/.