The games sector is the largest popular medium globally, shaping culture, entertainment, and social imagination on an unprecedented scale. While games themselves have been studied as a medium capable of inspiring visions of the future, they exist within much wider media ecosystems and player communities. Reviews, video essays, podcasts, and other public reflections play a major role in how games are experienced.

A new article from researchers within the STRATEGIES project, Understanding games as a site of utopian resonance, explores how these reflections function as spaces for societal thinking about utopia. Unlike previous research, which has focused on the content of games, this study highlights how conversations around games can themselves act as a site of orientation toward possible futures.

On June 17 and 18, 2025 Strategies Horizon participated in Game Cluster and Cultural and Creative Industries for a Sustainable Climate Transition Cluster meet-ups in Brussels. The clusters are funded projects with shared goals and aims. Game cluster projects relate directly to video games in Europe, while the CCI for Sustainable Climate Transition cluster projects focus on a range of creative industries, from museums to fashion. STRATEGIES was represented by Sonia Fizek, Odile Limpach, Thomas Bjørner, Stefan Werning, and Joost Raessens.

At Utrecht University, there is a growing interest in researching the intersection of digital technologies and sustainability. Our researchers are exploring various aspects, ranging from the use of big data and AI to tackle climate change and develop smart solutions, to examining the environmental impact of our digital society, including energy consumption and e-waste generation.

This past August, the STRATEGIES Horizon Europe Project launched its first summer school in Warsaw, bringing together graduate students, early-career researchers, designers, and game industry professionals for an inspiring three-day exploration of ecologically conscious game design.

The Playing for the Planet Awards celebrate work across the video games sustainability landscape, by focusing attention on green storytelling and emissions reduction as well as recognising the studios and individuals that have demonstrated outstanding leadership and contributions to the field. This year, STRATEGIES researchers have taken part in the judging process, examining entries for Best Green Storytelling and the Trailblazer award.

How much better for the planet are cardboard components versus plastic components? Should we shrink wrap board games? How does box size impact emissions? What is the end-of-life journey for a typical board game? How many will end up in landfill? 

There are no easy answers for to how to “green” board games but STRATEGIES researchers teamed up with the Green Games Guide, as well as with designers from independent studios and Asmodee, to explore how the industry is grappling with important dilemmas. Watch the video here…