Pixels with purpose

: crafting sustainable worlds through indie ecogames

Abstract

As environmental challenges become increasingly urgent, indie ecogames have emerged as a creative, impactful way to spark new conversations and commitments. By weaving sustainability into compelling narratives, engaging mechanics, and immersive art and sound, these games go beyond simple entertainment to offer transformative learning experiences. This study surveyed 387 players of various indie ecogames and used Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to understand how core design elements nurture intrinsic motivation and shape environmental attitudes. Results show that carefully crafted game mechanics stand out as the most powerful driver of player motivation, with narrative depth and aesthetic appeal also contributing meaningfully. Crucially, heightened motivation translates into stronger environmental attitudes, especially among those previously less involved in sustainability topics. Notable gender differences also emerged: women found audio-visual design particularly motivating, whereas men responded most strongly to interactive mechanics. These insights highlight the potential of well-designed indie ecogames to both captivate diverse audiences and gently guide them toward a deeper appreciation of environmental issues. By crafting games that satisfy players’ need for challenge, emotional engagement, and aesthetic harmony, developers and educators alike can foster genuine ecological awareness in ways that feel both natural and rewarding.

Date of Award	7 Jul 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Božidar Vlačić (Supervisor)