Ecogames and Sustainability in the Video Game Industry

About

STRATEGIES Summer School: Ecogames and Sustainability in the Video Game Industry

The summer school offers an intensive and interdisciplinary experience combining critical dialogue, hands-on learning, and peer collaboration. Over three focused days, participants will engage in a range of formats and activities.

Day 1: Talks & Workshops || Presentations of researchers, designers, and industry professionals on ecogames, climate storytelling, and sustainability in game development, including STRATEGIES members: Ruth Dorthea Eggel, Paweł Frelik, Christopher Paling, and Stefan Werning. Interactive workshops will explore ecocritical design, player engagement, and the environmental impact of digital media. The day will also feature a keynote by Michał Kłosiński (University of Silesia).

Day 2 – Carbon Literacy Training || A Carbon Literacy workshop tailored to the games industry. Delivered by Dr Chloé Germaine (Manchester Metropolitan University) and Professor Paul Wake (Manchester Metropolitan University), this workshop will explore how game researchers and game designers can get to grips with Carbon Literacy®: “An awareness of the carbon costs and impacts of everyday activities, and the ability and motivation to reduce emissions, on an individual, community and organisational basis.”

Day 3 – Student Projects & Presentations || Presentations of summer school participants and collaboration in small groups to develop concepts, research ideas, or prototypes addressing sustainability in games. The day will also feature a keynote by Maria Wagner (Sustainable Games Alliance).

Topics addressed during the summer school include (but are not limited to)
* ecogames and environmental storytelling
* games as tools for ecological awareness and education
* sustainable practices in game development and distribution
* eco-critical analysis of mainstream and indie games
* climate change, biodiversity, and resource management in game mechanics
* ethical implications of digital consumption and production in gaming

Please submit the following materials:

* A short statement of interest (max. 500 words)
* A CV or academic résumé
* A short description of a research project or creative work you would like to share

Applications must be received by the 8th of July 2025. All applicants will be informed of the outcome by 11th July 2025. Confirmed participants will receive suggestions of accommodation in Warsaw and other logistic information

Course leader

Prof. Paweł Frelik

Target group

We welcome applications from:

* Master's and PhD students from relevant disciplines (game studies, environmental humanities, media studies, sustainability, etc.)
* Early-career researchers and postdocs