Green New Deal
Simulator

Green New Deal Simulator (2023) is a strategy game where you must shift the US economy to net zero carbon. You place Effect cards on the map to choose how each area grows its green energy while also minimising unemployment. There are other educational games like this, but Green New Deal Simulator stands out offering a properly playful challenge without the usual right-answer-thinking. It balances simple card placement with nuanced and wide-reaching effects that highlight the challenge of going green.

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You control the direction the United States takes in tackling climate change, and must balance the need to reduce carbon emissions and gas usage while also ensuring all the sectors that rely on them for employment can transition their workers to new industries.

You get a random set of cards at the start, each with a different effect, such as hydro power which boosts green energy production or high-speed rail for efficient commuting. You place these cards on one of the areas of the map and can see the effects it has on emissions and employment. As you progress you unlock new cards to use, and must use all your cards strategically to continue to increase green energy output efficiently. You also need to manage your finances by skipping cards to gain money back.

The result is a simple card placement game with a surprising amount of complexity flowing from this. It foregrounds the tension of balancing short-term needs with the long-term goal of transitioning to green energy. Specifically, you must ensure people who rely on the gas and fossil fuel industries aren't left behind. It effectively demonstrates the challenge facing the world while still remaining engaging and entertaining.

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Our examiner, Ben Kendall, first checked Green New Deal Simulator 9 months ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 9 months ago.