Computer games are not only entertaining but can also offer new perspectives, as demonstrated by the game "Climate Survivors". In this game, players combat the consequences of global warming while learning about scientifically grounded facts in an engaging and playful way.
In an interview with ORF.at, the climate researcher Jan Steinhauser from the Novel Data Ecosystems for Sustainability research group (NODES) explained the concept behind "Climate Survivors." The player's character is placed on a map where increasingly more monsters appear over time. In this context, these monsters represent climate-driven natural hazards, such as floods, landslides, and droughts. The main goal is to survive until the year 2100, using scientifically accurate strategies to combat the increasing number of "climate monsters."
The game, inspired by "Vampire Survivors," allows players to use various tools like low-carbon energy methods to fight the monsters. It also teaches about mitigating climate change, for instance by planting trees or using trains to reduce CO2 emissions.
"Climate Survivors" aims to make learning about climate change engaging and motivating, encouraging players to take action in real life. The game is still in development, with a demo set to release in June 2024 on Steam, and a full version expected by spring 2025. Future expansions will include more content and potentially other platforms to reach a broader audience. The full interview is availabe here in German.
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