EnerCities is an awesome web-based ‘serious game’ application built with the Unity3D platform that enables players to build a sustainable metropolis. Unfortunately I fell for the easy energy options early on, enabling me to build my city and earn money quickly, but it led to an irreversible pollution problem later in the game. The next time around, I was more careful with my investments, and was able to grow my metropolis to a healthy, happy, sustainable and well-populated community. What a great way to instill a holistic sense of how our energy investments play out in the long term, yet in a thoroughly fun and enjoyable application.
“Project Enercities offers a serious gaming – learning platform for young people (typical target group: 15-20 years) to experience energy-related implications. The goal is to create and expand virtual cities dealing with pollution, energy shortages, renewable energy etc.
The development of the serious game is based on state of the art technologies and insights. The game is fully web-based, 3D perspective (via Unity3D plug-in) and is suitable to play on low-budget computers. The game offers a semi-realistic simulation with game-like visual styles (cartoony) and low entry barriers (easy to understand; multiple levels in order to bring-in more complexity). All these approaches enable a wide distribution of the Enercities serious game across Europe.”
Play the game here: http://www.enercities.eu/
