Abstract

Tackling climate change demands behavioural shifts. Yet, individuals often face psychological barriers that hinder their engagement in pro-environmental behaviour. People struggle to vividly imagine how their actions are linked to environmental consequences and influence collective action dynamics. We designed a mobile video game intervention to promote sustainable food consumption by simulating choice-consequence scenarios within a fictional narrative. In our online experiment with UK adults, participants were randomly assigned to one of four game versions: Nature, which provides feedback through visual changes in the in-game environment; Social, which offers feedback through social interactions; Social+Nature, which combines both types of feedback; and a Control without feedback. We evaluate whether experiencing feedback in the video game interventions enhances real-world knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour as measured through an incentive-compatible grocery shopping task. We also evaluate the persistence of the effects 3 weeks after the interventions have been delivered. Participants treated three weeks prior maintained greater knowledge, stronger meat reduction intentions, and made more sustainable product choices.

Reference

Sonja Vogt (University of Lausanne), “Can combining education and entertainment in video games promote pro-environmental behaviour?”, IAST General Seminar, Toulouse: IAST, June 10, 2025, 11:30–12:30, room Auditorium 4 (First floor - TSE Building).