GREAT has developed a new methodology, documentation and resources which are being evaluated and refined through the case study programme. The methodology involves stakeholders in designing enquiries that are of significance to them, and in interpreting the results.
GREAT has demonstrated a significant impact on participant engagement and empowerment. Leveraging existing expertise in citizen science and game prototypes, the project has developed and tested SGI and PP games that involve citizens in various stages of the research process. By engaging over 400 participants in direct research and reaching ca. 400,000 citizens through game-based activities across 8 countries, the project has provided new channels for expressing opinions and engagement in policy decision-making.
GREAT has also introduced a new survey methodology for collecting opinions and attitudes in various research domains and contributed new data on climate-related crises for experts. The outcomes include a better
understanding of how game-based methods can be used as research tools to address social challenges, with game-based approaches now integrated into citizen science initiatives. The impact of these contributions extends to raising awareness, providing new means for engaging diverse target groups, and offering new knowledge on using game-based approaches for scientific inquiry, policy development, and citizen engagement. These insights lay the groundwork for continued research and innovation.
The GREAT team successfully introduced a new approach for the gaming industry, integrating the involvement of citizens in the process and creating opportunities for socially valuable outputs. This has allowed GREAT's commercial partners to expand their portfolios, providing new products and services to a broader range of clients, including public sector institutions.
The project has resulted in the creation of new contacts between GREAT project partners, the gaming industry, the policy domain, and research communities, strengthening the connection between citizens and policy makers. This collaborative effort has led to a deeper understanding of the potential for game-based methods in fostering societal change and transformation, particularly around issues such as climate change.
With 7 policy representatives involved in these activities, policy makers, NGOs, and campaign organisations have begun to adopt these innovative methods for public sector engagement. These tools are now being recognised as effective channels for fostering new formats of political participation, empowering EU citizens to contribute to policy discussions in more meaningful and participatory ways. Furthermore, the GREAT tools have been used by institutions such as schools and are inspiring new knowledge and awareness of the social impact of game-based participation across various stakeholders in society.
