A new card game seeks to transform players into real-world problem solvers by immersing them in the complex world of environmental activism. Rather than presenting players with superhuman abilities or hopeless dystopias, the game focuses on the power of community organizing and strategic conversation.
The experience begins with players stepping into the shoes of legal advocates fighting for environmental justice. In one scenario, players celebrate a landmark legal victory granting personhood rights to a river, only to face an immediate crisis when the waterway becomes contaminated by a massive oil spill. This sets the stage for an investigative journey where players must gather evidence and build compelling arguments.
Gameplay revolves around collecting information cards through community engagement, then using these cards to construct persuasive arguments in conversations. Each claim carries different weight depending on the evidence backing it—speculative accusations may backfire if not supported by solid proof. The system aims to mirror the nuanced reality of advocacy work, where successful persuasion depends on both emotional appeal and factual accuracy.
Developers describe the conversational mechanics as built around partnership rather than confrontation. The design emphasizes that meaningful change happens through collaboration, not through solitary heroics. This philosophy extends to the game’s emotional energy system, which reflects the real psychological toll of activism work while also showing how collective action can replenish strength and hope.
The game’s global scope will take players to various regions facing distinct environmental challenges, with potential settings including Puerto Rico, the Netherlands, and Nigeria. Each chapter explores different aspects of environmental degradation, from corporate pollution and government corruption to biodiversity loss and deep-sea mining impacts.
What sets this project apart is its grounding in academic research and developer authenticity. The team includes researchers who study the intersection of gaming and sustainability, ensuring the game incorporates factual information about climate activism. This approach aims to bridge the gap between virtual engagement and real-world action.
The developers identified a gap in how games typically handle environmental themes—either presenting players as omnipotent saviors or situating them in hopeless post-apocalyptic scenarios. Instead, this game focuses on the messy, collaborative process of change-making, showing how individuals can effect transformation within communities.
Despite tackling serious subjects, the game maintains a surprisingly joyful tone. The creators argue that hope and joy are essential fuels for lasting change, complementing the necessary anger that drives initial action. They believe that finding pleasure in collective action represents the most practical response to global challenges.
The ultimate goal extends beyond entertainment: the developers hope players will emerge feeling empowered to engage with real-world activism in whatever form suits them best. Whether through community organizing, political engagement, or local advocacy, the game aims to demonstrate that meaningful participation is always possible, no matter how daunting the challenges may seem.
The game is scheduled for PC release, with specific launch details to be announced.
