My Green House Challenge

My Green House Challenge (also known as "The Sims Mediator Challenge") is a story-driven, physical game designed to engage youth as mediators in the energy transition within their families and neighborhoods. The game uses an interactive, game-based approach to move beyond providing ready-made answers, instead instigating future scenarios that allow participants to connect emotionally with their own stories and engage in constructive dialogue.

Game Objectives and Methodology

The primary objective is to explore the role of family mediators through missions reflecting real-life experiences, such as shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal power. By using the logic of the game, players learn to balance various perspectives and guide their "Sims" through emerging dilemmas related to energy production, distribution, and consumption.

Gameplay Mechanics

The experience unfolds through seven distinct phases: (1) Preparation: Setting the stage and assigning roles such as Game Master, Timekeeper, and Note Taker. (2) Construction: Building a starting house and character, where players manage a "coin" economy to buy furniture and upgrades. (3) Interactive Challenges: Using a dice and color-coded "Prompt Play Cards" (including Ice Breaking, Action, Twist, and Energy Shift categories) to navigate specific tasks. (4) Conceptual Learning: Linking prompt cards to "Illustration Cards" via an emoji system to understand technical concepts like home batteries, heat pumps, and smart energy management. (5) Strategic Evolution: Improving the home while balancing the "cost of living"—larger houses increase expenses, but investing in energy transition items provides financial discounts.

Impact and Outcomes

Progress is tracked through a tangible puzzle system, making the journey feel rewarding over multiple weeks of play. The game ultimately serves as a platform for celebrating youth as community leaders, facilitating relevant discussions about the policies and strategies required to succeed in a hypothetical sustainable future.