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Playing for the Planet? A Serious Game Approach to Land Use Planning with Students in Rural Iceland

Author

Listed:
  • Benjamin D. Hennig

    (Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland)

  • Ben F. Roberts

    (Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
    Faculty of Spatial Sciences, University of Groningen, Postbus 800, 9700 AV Groningen, The Netherlands)

  • Johannes T. Welling

    (Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland)

  • Marissa Pinal

    (Icelandic and Comparative Cultural Studies, School of Humanities, University of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland)

  • Jón Ólafsson

    (Icelandic and Comparative Cultural Studies, School of Humanities, University of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland)

Abstract

Effective nature conservation and citizen participation are essential for sustainable development and biodiversity preservation. This paper introduces the ‘Land Use Game’, a prototype serious game designed to engage citizens—particularly younger demographics—in participatory land use planning. Developed within the context of the EU Horizon 2020 PHOENIX project, the game was tested with students in two rural Icelandic municipalities as part of a pilot study. The game enables participants to assign land use preferences through interactive mapping, supporting a better understanding of land use complexities while promoting active learning and dialogue. The study evaluates the game’s feasibility, technological features, and practical applications, highlighting insights from gameplay observations, participant feedback, and spatial analysis. The results demonstrate the potential of serious games to collect meaningful data, support inclusive decision-making, and empower citizens to contribute to sustainable policies. By incorporating such tools, planners can enhance public understanding, promote equitable land use, and strengthen participatory democracy.

Suggested Citation

  • Benjamin D. Hennig & Ben F. Roberts & Johannes T. Welling & Marissa Pinal & Jón Ólafsson, 2025. "Playing for the Planet? A Serious Game Approach to Land Use Planning with Students in Rural Iceland," Societies, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-17, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:15:y:2025:i:1:p:14-:d:1568341
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    2. Olivier Boiral & Iñaki Heras-Saizarbitoria, 2017. "Managing Biodiversity Through Stakeholder Involvement: Why, Who, and for What Initiatives?," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 140(3), pages 403-421, February.
    3. John F. Forester, 1999. "The Deliberative Practitioner: Encouraging Participatory Planning Processes," MIT Press Books, The MIT Press, edition 1, volume 1, number 0262561220, December.
    4. Sanford, Clive & Rose, Jeremy, 2007. "Characterizing eParticipation," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 27(6), pages 406-421.
    5. Cristina Ampatzidou & Katharina Gugerell & Teodora Constantinescu & Oswald Devisch & Martina Jauschneg & Martin Berger, 2018. "All Work and No Play? Facilitating Serious Games and Gamified Applications in Participatory Urban Planning and Governance," Urban Planning, Cogitatio Press, vol. 3(1), pages 34-46.
    6. Precious Sihlangu & Kola O. Odeku, 2021. "Critical Analysis Of International And National Laws Redressing Past Apartheid Land Discrimination And Injustice In South Africa," Perspectives of Law and Public Administration, Societatea de Stiinte Juridice si Administrative (Society of Juridical and Administrative Sciences), vol. 10(3), pages 308-317, December.
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