The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars recently announced that The Plastic Pipeline, a serious game developed by the Wilson Center’s Serious Games Initiative and China Environment Forum in collaboration with FableVision Studios, has received two prestigious awards this summer. The game aims to raise awareness about single-use plastic pollution and the policies being considered to combat this global crisis. The creation of The Plastic Pipeline was guided by the ethos of the Serious Games Initiative, which seeks to engage the public in policy discourse through interactive games, and the research expertise of the China Environment Forum, known for its focus on environmental issues in China and neighboring regions. Funding for the research and development of The Plastic Pipeline was provided by the National Geographic Foundation, Luce Foundation, and Japan Foundation.
The first award, received on June 13, was for Best Game for Government Audiences from the Serious Games Showcase and Competition Europe. This event took place at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol, UK, as part of the Defense Simulation, Education, and Training (DSET) conference. The Serious Games Showcase and Competition Europe is a branch of the larger Serious Games Showcase and Competition (SGS&C) held annually in Orlando, Florida. The second award, received on June 27, was for the Best Game in Environmental Impact from the Games for Change Festival in New York City. Games for Change has been a pioneer in showcasing how games can be used for social good, and the festival brings together innovators who use games to drive real-world change.
The Plastic Pipeline was praised for its educational value and ability to showcase the complexities of developing effective environmental policies. The game not only educates players on reducing waste in their own lives but also demonstrates the challenges of implementing sustainable laws and programs. The research conducted by the China Environment Forum at the Wilson Center served as the foundation for the environmental policies depicted in the game.
Dr. Jennifer Turner, director of the China Environment Forum, emphasized the importance of highlighting the global crisis of plastic pollution and engaging audiences in policy research. With the ongoing discussions about a global treaty for single-use plastics, tools like The Plastic Pipeline play a crucial role in educating the public and amplifying the work of environmental and policy experts. The game serves as a creative and engaging platform to raise awareness about the urgent need for action to address plastic pollution.
Overall, The Plastic Pipeline’s success at these prestigious awards showcases the power of serious games in educating and engaging audiences on pressing global issues. As the conversation around environmental sustainability continues to evolve, games like The Plastic Pipeline will play a vital role in driving meaningful change and inspiring individuals to take action towards a more sustainable future.