Using digital games as an adaptive gaming platform for young people, to raise awareness of environmental issues around coastal resilience in Somerset.

The project

Digital games present an exciting opportunity to engage young people with environmental issues. Situated on the Somerset Coast, Eco-Explorers presents players with a coastal situation that may endanger the environment.

Through the game’s real-world scenarios, the players learn about the key issues facing their region and its coasts. A key challenge is to represent scientific and ecological knowledge in an engaging way.

We learn through play.

Eco-Explorers-logo

Digital gaming at the service of our environment

Digital gaming environments are often “generic”, making reference to imaginary or fantasy landscapes. Whilst already of educational value, there is much to be said for working in a local context, with local knowledge, and local partners. This brings a sense of authenticity to the gaming scenario, and allows each game to be unique as it is situated in a specific region. 

 

A bioregional approach focusing on local knowledge

Eco-Explorers focuses on the Somerset coastline. Young people from Somerset will recognise their coast, their coastal towns and the landmarks of their region. In addition to general environmental and coastal themes (ghost-tackle, coastal bird nesting…), Eco-Explorers actively engages with issues of concern to residents of the Somerset Coastal BioRegion. We see the potential for future editions designed for other coastal regions: Devon, Cornwall – or indeed, any coastal region around the UK shoreline. 

Screenshot of video game with ecological imagery

A multidisciplinary approach to environmental communication

Eco-Explorers weaves together knowledge from several fields making this a truly interdisciplinary project. Britain will always be an island nation, and so our focus on the coasts is of pertinence at both local and national levels. Subjects brought together in Eco-Explorers:

  • Geography and spatial mapping
  • Bioregional thinking / local knowledge of place
  • Games design
  • Environmental communication

Future Development

Eco-Explorers Game now exists as a prototype – our Phase 1 development. We now seek funding to develop the complete game, with additional levels, including a wide range of environmental scenarios. These will enable the player to become a true Eco-Explorer as they help protect the Somerset coast.

Photograph-of-two-people-in-front-of-a-computer-screen-showing-Eco-Explorers-game

Project Team Members:

  • Project Lead: Milenne Tanganelli
  • Project Partner and Scientific Advisor: Dr Peter Jeffs
  • Design Team Phase 1 (prototype): Final Year Games Development Undergraduates: 
  • Coding: Kayley Whitfield
  • Art and illustration: Ben Wilson
  • Game Design: Juan Dalmau Sanches