Harnessing Gamification to Promote Sustainability

How do you get donors to engage rather than simply hand over their cash? Mongoose (Multiplayer ONline Gaming for the transitiOn to Sustainability), a new initiative championed by the OU, aims to try through developing an MMOG (Massively Multiplayer Online Game).

MMOGs offer the opportunity to design virtual spaces that can support the transition towards more sustainable lifestyles. Mongoose will focus on supporting communities to transform a specific area of approximately one hectare from a derelict, depressing site to a beautiful, resource-rich forest garden that they can be proud of. The gamification involves participants using virtual and augemented reality to design the transformation and – as the Permaculture Association is the project’s key partner – the ultimate aim is to promote permaculture principles to achieve food security, wastewater purification and energy provision.

As well as culturally specific rewards for their own sustainability practices such as recycling, the option of individuals gaining rewards for helping initiatives within other communities is being explored. In addition, Mongoose will bring together communities, local authorities, game designers, wearable device manufacturers and companies in the food, energy, water, health, education and leisure sectors, incentivising cooperation and knowledge exchange.

OU funding has enabled IKD member Andrea Berardi to engage case study communities in Ethiopia, Guyana and India, and to continue discussion with organisations helping refugees in Europe.

To find out more or to discuss participating in Mongoose, contact Andrea Berardi.