PlanetPoints
Storytelling/ Critical design
PlanetPoints is a game set in a potential 2050 Netherlands, where CO2 emissions are reduced through a system of PlanetPoints. Players navigate the mundane daily struggles of life under this system, prompting them to question whether this is the future they would want for themselves.
Assignment
We were tasked by the "Planbureau voor de Leefomgeving" (PBL) to develop a game based on one of the four scenarios they created for a potential future Netherlands in 2050. Our project focused on the "Green World" scenario, which prioritizes environmental sustainability and reducing CO2 emissions. The focus of the assignment was to create a "future mundane" and explore how people in this potential future might interact with and feel about these advances in their daily lives.
Process
We began by exploring various potential technological advancements that could emerge in the future due to environmental demands. Ideas included lab-grown meat to reduce livestock emissions and new reusable forms of energy. Ultimately, we delved into the report by PBL and were inspired by their concept of "PlanetPoints"—an additional tax based on the carbon footprint of products and services. We focused on how these restrictions might drive innovation and reshaped our project around this concept. My role as a visual designer was to develop concepts and create visual assets, such as posters and graffiti, that would fit seamlessly into this scenario, enhancing the immersive experience of the game.
Challenge
As a group effort, one of our biggest challenges was effectively communicating our ideas and aligning on how to translate them into the game. Each member had their own role, and finding common ground took time and collaboration. Another significant challenge was fitting a complex story like this into the limited time available. However, through creative problem-solving and teamwork, we were able to achieve the tone and narrative we aimed to convey.
Result
PlanetPoints is a short game that immerses users in a future scenario where the environment takes center stage. As environmental issues remain highly relevant in society, the game offers players a chance to experience the daily struggles of living in this potential future. It serves as a starting point for reflection, encouraging users to consider whether this is the future they want for themselves and how they might approach it differently.
