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Should We Play Games Where Energy Is Concerned? Perceptions of Serious Gaming as a Technology to Motivate Energy Behaviour Change among Social Housing Residents

Author

Listed:
  • Christine Boomsma

    (Social and Organisational Psychology Department, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300RB Leiden, The Netherlands)

  • Rebecca Hafner

    (Department of Architecture and Built Environment, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK)

  • Sabine Pahl

    (School of Psychology, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK)

  • Rory V. Jones

    (Department of Architecture and Built Environment, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK)

  • Alba Fuertes

    (Department of Architecture and Built Environment, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK)

Abstract

The invisibility and intangibility of energy are key challenges faced by communicators looking to reduce household energy demand. ‘Serious games’—defined as formalized, goal-oriented games designed to educate, or promote health and well-being—are one potential strategy that may help to alleviate these challenges. This paper discusses the suitability of serious gaming as an educational and behavioural change tool within the context of social housing—a faction often overlooked when it comes to household energy research. The paper takes a two-part approach. First, we review current literature on serious energy games, and second, we discuss perceptions of serious energy games amongst social housing residents using data from two surveys (Survey A, n = 536; Survey B, n = 78). Perceptions of serious energy games were found to be mixed. Some residents liked the idea of a game for energy, particularly if clear, actionable solutions for reducing energy bills were provided. However, others were disinterested, due to existing time pressures, negative perceptions of gaming, and limited confidence using computers or tablets. As such, uptake may be met with challenges. The findings highlight the need for interdisciplinary collaborations and user-led approaches for the design of successful and engaging serious energy games.

Suggested Citation

  • Christine Boomsma & Rebecca Hafner & Sabine Pahl & Rory V. Jones & Alba Fuertes, 2018. "Should We Play Games Where Energy Is Concerned? Perceptions of Serious Gaming as a Technology to Motivate Energy Behaviour Change among Social Housing Residents," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-18, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:6:p:1729-:d:148941
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Mathias Lanezki & Catharina Siemer & Steffen Wehkamp, 2020. "“Changing the Game—Neighbourhood”: An Energy Transition Board Game, Developed in a Co-Design Process: A Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(24), pages 1-18, December.
    2. Thomas Hoppe & Gerdien De Vries, 2018. "Social Innovation and the Energy Transition," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-13, December.
    3. Alla Polyanska & Maksym Andriiovych & Natalia Generowicz & Joanna Kulczycka & Vladyslav Psyuk, 2022. "Gamification as an Improvement Tool for HR Management in the Energy Industry—A Case Study of the Ukrainian Market," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-18, February.
    4. Silvia Perez-Bezos & Anna Figueroa-Lopez & Matxalen Etxebarria-Mallea & Xabat Oregi & Rufino Javier Hernandez-Minguillon, 2022. "Assessment of Social Housing Energy and Thermal Performance in Relation to Occupants’ Behaviour and COVID-19 Influence—A Case Study in the Basque Country, Spain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-22, May.
    5. Marta Gangolells & Miquel Casals & Núria Forcada & Marcel Macarulla, 2020. "Life Cycle Analysis of a Game-Based Solution for Domestic Energy Saving," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-18, August.
    6. Franziska Steinberger & Tobias Minder & Evelina Trutnevyte, 2020. "Efficiency versus Equity in Spatial Siting of Electricity Generation: Citizen Preferences in a Serious Board Game in Switzerland," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-17, September.
    7. Vicky-Lauren Bekoum Essokolo & Elisabeth Robinot, 2022. "«Let’s Go Deep into the Game to Save Our Planet!» How an Immersive and Educational Video Game Reduces Psychological Distance and Raises Awareness," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-24, May.
    8. Ștefan Boncu & Octav-Sorin Candel & Nicoleta Laura Popa, 2022. "Gameful Green: A Systematic Review on the Use of Serious Computer Games and Gamified Mobile Apps to Foster Pro-Environmental Information, Attitudes and Behaviors," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-22, August.
    9. Hossein Nasrollahi & Ioannis Lampropoulos & Stefan Werning & Anton Belinskiy & Jan Dirk Fijnheer & Remco C. Veltkamp & Wilfried van Sark, 2023. "Review of Serious Energy Games: Objectives, Approaches, Applications, Data Integration, and Performance Assessment," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-42, October.
    10. Lehmann, Paul & Ammermann, Kathrin & Gawel, Erik & Geiger, Charlotte & Hauck, Jennifer & Heilmann, Jörg & Meier, Jan-Niklas & Ponitka, Jens & Schicketanz, Sven & Stemmer, Boris & Tafarte, Philip & Thr, 2021. "Managing spatial sustainability trade-offs: The case of wind power," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 185(C).

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