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Review of Serious Energy Games: Objectives, Approaches, Applications, Data Integration, and Performance Assessment

Author

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  • Hossein Nasrollahi

    (Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3584 CB Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Ioannis Lampropoulos

    (Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3584 CB Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Stefan Werning

    (Department of Media and Culture Studies, Utrecht University, Muntstraat 2A, 3512 EV Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Anton Belinskiy

    (Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3584 CB Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Jan Dirk Fijnheer

    (Department of Information & Computing Sciences, Utrecht University, Princetonplein 5, 3584 CC Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Remco C. Veltkamp

    (Department of Information & Computing Sciences, Utrecht University, Princetonplein 5, 3584 CC Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Wilfried van Sark

    (Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3584 CB Utrecht, The Netherlands)

Abstract

In recent years, serious energy games (SEGs) garnered increasing attention as an innovative and effective approach to tackling energy-related challenges. This review delves into the multifaceted landscape of SEG, specifically focusing on their wide-ranging applications in various contexts. The study investigates potential enhancements in user engagement achieved through integrating social connections, personalization, and data integration. Among the main challenges identified, previous studies overlooked the full potential of serious games in addressing emerging needs in energy systems, opting for oversimplified approaches. Further, these studies exhibit limited scalability and constrained generalizability, which poses challenges in applying their findings to larger energy systems and diverse scenarios. By incorporating lessons learned from prior experiences, this review aims to propel the development of SEG toward more innovative and impactful directions. It is firmly believed that positive behavior changes among individuals can be effectively encouraged by using SEG.

Suggested Citation

  • Hossein Nasrollahi & Ioannis Lampropoulos & Stefan Werning & Anton Belinskiy & Jan Dirk Fijnheer & Remco C. Veltkamp & Wilfried van Sark, 2023. "Review of Serious Energy Games: Objectives, Approaches, Applications, Data Integration, and Performance Assessment," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-42, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:19:p:6948-:d:1253594
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Christine Boomsma & Rebecca Hafner & Sabine Pahl & Rory V. Jones & Alba Fuertes, 2018. "Should We Play Games Where Energy Is Concerned? Perceptions of Serious Gaming as a Technology to Motivate Energy Behaviour Change among Social Housing Residents," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-18, May.
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    3. Aguiar-Castillo Lidia & Rufo-Torres Julio & De Saa-Pérez Petra & Perez-Jimenez Rafael, 2018. "How to Encourage Recycling Behaviour? The Case of WasteApp: A Gamified Mobile Application," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-20, May.
    4. Tania Ouariachi & Wim J. L. Elving & Frank Pierie, 2018. "Playing for a Sustainable Future: The Case of We Energy Game as an Educational Practice," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-12, October.
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    1. Anton Belinskiy & Ioannis Lampropoulos & Hossein Nasrollahi & Jan Dirk Fijnheer & Remco C. Veltkamp & Wilfried van Sark, 2024. "How Can We Achieve a Long-Term Effect of Serious Energy Games on the Change in Residential Electricity Demand?," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-32, November.

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