One more turn and I can develop gene modified plants : Technologial development & climate change representation in board games

Abstract: Alongside societal change and more sustainable living, new technologies and research will be important in becoming carbon neutral. Multiple modern board games have some form of technological progression and research in their theme, presented by game mechanics like “tech trees”. Since board games are known for being great at explaining their themes via mechanics, this study looks at how they can present the development of new green technologies. The Mariestad climate board game is a board game where players compete to try to reduce pollution in the municipality. It was also used as the artifact for this study. Through its development several groups of testers played it and then partook in semi-structured interviews, about how they experienced the game and its portrayal of technology and climate change. Overall the testers liked the mechanics, but future testing with longer test sessions are needed in the future on the topic.