Inundation: A Gaming App for a Sustainable Approach to Sea Level Rise

Abstract

Over the past few decades, communication has evolved significantly, driven by new technologies and digital connections, with the Internet and mobile phones transforming traditional communication methods. This shift has also impacted disaster risk awareness-raising, requiring messages to adapt to modern digital platforms. This article describes an effort to engage younger generations with the issue of sea level rise, critical yet often overlooked despite its significant impact on global coastal areas, through the serious digital game “Inundation”. Presented for the first time, the game offers an engaging experience where players protect territories from coastal flooding while understanding rising seas’ causes, effects, and impacts. Feedback from student beta testers highlighted the game’s effectiveness in conveying scientific concepts and increasing awareness about this pressing issue. The game’s innovative design, particularly its visual representation of sea level rise at a pace more relatable to human perception, fills a gap in environmental education by making complex topics accessible and engaging. While evaluating the impact of such tools is challenging, initial feedback suggests that “Inundation” has significant potential to foster disaster preparedness and proactive safeguarding actions.