Call for Applications: Summer School of Ecogames and Sustainability in the Video Game Industry
Location: University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
Application Deadline: June 27, 2025
Keynote Speakers: Maria Wagner (Sustainable Games Alliance) & Michał Kłosiński (University of Silesia)
Dr Michał Kłosiński, from the Game Studies Research Centre, University of Silesia
Maria Wagner, founder of the Sustainable Games Alliance
Are you a graduate student or early-career researcher interested in the intersections of videogames, sustainability, and environmental storytelling? The STRATEGIES Horizon Europe Project is organizing the Summer School of Ecogames and Sustainability in the Video Game Industry, a 3-day-long program dedicated to critical exploration and academic development around ecologically conscious gaming.
About the Summer School
The summer school offers an intensive and interdisciplinary experience combining critical dialogue, hands-on learning, and peer collaboration. Over three focused days, participants will engage in a range of formats and activities.
Day 1: Talks & Workshops
Presentations of researchers, designers, and industry professionals on ecogames, climate storytelling, and sustainability in game development, including STRATEGIES members: Ruth Dorthea Eggel, Paweł Frelik, Christopher Paling, and Stefan Werning. Interactive workshops will explore ecocritical design, player engagement, and the environmental impact of digital media. The day will also feature a keynote by Michał Kłosiński (University of Silesia).
Day 2 – Carbon Literacy Training
A Carbon Literacy workshop tailored to the games industry. Delivered by Dr Chloé Germaine (Manchester Metropolitan University) and Professor Paul Wake (Manchester Metropolitan University), this workshop will explore how game researchers and game designers can get to grips with Carbon Literacy®: “An awareness of the carbon costs and impacts of everyday activities, and the ability and motivation to reduce emissions, on an individual, community and organisational basis.”
Day 3 – Student Projects & Presentations
Presentations of summer school participants and collaboration in small groups to develop concepts, research ideas, or prototypes addressing sustainability in games. The day will also feature a keynote by Maria Wagner (Sustainable Games Alliance).
Topics addressed during the summer school include (but are not limited to)
ecogames and environmental storytelling
games as tools for ecological awareness and education
sustainable practices in game development and distribution
eco-critical analysis of mainstream and indie games
climate change, biodiversity, and resource management in game mechanics
ethical implications of digital consumption and production in gaming
Who Should Apply
We welcome applications from:
Master's and PhD students from relevant disciplines (game studies, environmental humanities, media studies, sustainability, etc.)
Early-career researchers and postdocs
How to Apply
Please submit the following materials to p.frelik@uw.edu.pl:
A short statement of interest (max. 500 words)
A CV or academic résumé
A short description of a research project or creative work you would like to share
Applications must be received by the 27th of June 2025. All applicants will be informed of the outcome by 4th July 2025.
Costs
Enrolled participants will participate free of charge (there is no course fee). Lunches will be provided.
ECTS
ECTS for participation: 3 ECTS points for the 3-day participation. No ECTS points for partial participation are available.
Logistics
Confirmed participants will receive suggestions of accommodation in Warsaw and other logistic information.