Catan, the beloved board game about resource management and settlement building, is turning 30 next year. Over the decades, it has seen numerous versions and expansions, selling more than 45 million copies worldwide. The latest edition, “Catan: New Energies“, represents one of the most significant departures from the original concept by addressing the pressing issue of climate change.
Shifting from Pre-Industrial to Contemporary Times
Unlike previous versions set in pre-industrial times, “New Energies” is set in the 21st century. Players must now navigate real-world elements such as power plants and pollution. This new setting aligns with the game’s theme of rapid human expansion and its environmental consequences, rooted in the history of industrialization.
Despite its serious subject matter, “New Energies” aims to remain an enjoyable game. The developers worked hard to integrate environmental science with engaging gameplay. They join a growing trend where games address climate change, reflecting its increasing presence in global conversations. For instance, the video game Civilization 6 released an expansion titled “Gathering Storm” in 2019, which centers around climate-related impacts. Similarly, “Terra Nil” ,a 2023 strategy game, challenges players to transform a barren wasteland into a sustainable paradise.
Reflecting Cultural Concerns
Rachel Kowert, a research psychologist specializing in games, notes that games often mirror cultural issues. By incorporating climate crisis elements, games like “Catan: New Energies” make the topic more accessible and engaging. Kowert explains that while many may not read extensive documents on climate change, they are more likely to engage with these concepts through gameplay.
New Mechanics and Consequences
In Catan: New Energies, the core mechanics of gathering resources and building settlements remain, but with added layers of complexity. Players must build power plants—choosing between fossil fuels and renewable energy—each with significant consequences. Building a fossil fuel plant increases greenhouse gases, tracked on the game board, leading to potential climate-related events like flooding or air pollution. These events can disrupt resource production and even trigger an early end to the game, favoring players with more renewable power plants.
Development and Inspiration
The game’s development began in 2011 with a scenario called “Oil Springs”, inspired by a proposal from Erik Assadourian of the Worldwatch Institute. This scenario introduced the concept of managing oil resources with environmental repercussions. “Oil Springs”, combined with insights from the WWF’s 2050 climate solutions report, laid the groundwork for “New Energies”.
Designing for Impact and Sustainability
The creators of “New Energies” aimed to reflect real-world challenges within the constraints of game mechanics. Assadourian emphasizes that the game is not just about reducing pollution but about transitioning to a sustainable energy system. Even the physical production of the game considered environmental impact, using sustainable materials and local manufacturing.
Testing Morality and Strategy
Playtesting was crucial to ensure the game remained engaging and thought-provoking. Players often found themselves grappling with moral dilemmas, balancing their desire to win with their environmental choices. This mirrors the real-world challenge of making impactful changes to combat climate change.
Games offer a unique space to engage with complex issues like climate change. Kowert highlights that the detachment provided by games can make these big, scary concepts more approachable, potentially leading to greater understanding and action. Teuber hopes that players of New Energies will leave with a sense of empowerment, realizing their potential to effect change, even in small ways.
New Energies aims to spark philosophical discussions and inspire players to consider their role in addressing climate change. While the game itself won’t change the world, it can encourage players to think critically about their actions and their impact on the planet, fostering a greater sense of individual and collective power to drive change.
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Written By Doris Chinwe Omemgbeoji