Playing urban sustainability: the ecology of a simulation game

ABSTRACT

To date, methodologies used in the field of game studies are prolific while indistinct due to the multifaceted nature of the field. In particular, games that shape our understandings of political, social or cultural environments add a new dimension to the discussion and theorization of games and learning. As gameplay is increasingly understood as situated in cultural contexts and practices, this paper argues for a comprehensive approach to game studies by positioning games in a wider ecology of learning. The strength of an ecology approach is that it identifies the relations and heterogeneous agents that contribute to developing, shaping, and performing the learning opportunities of a game. This paper suggests a methodological approach of qualitative ethnographic participant observation. Adopting a case study approach as an appropriate research strategy, this ethnography specifically examines and participates in the simulation game SCAPE (Sustainability, Community And Planning Education), an urban sustainability education tool.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.m Miscellaneous

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors, Theory

Keywords:
computer game studies, ethnography, learning, sustainability