Serious Games for Serious Change

As cities face increasing vulnerabilities due to climate change, the need for inclusive, adaptive, and participatory planning has become more urgent than ever. .. The chapter reviews several global case studies where serious games have been successfully employed to address issues such as urban flooding, heat island effects, water scarcity, and land-use conflicts. It critically examines the design principles, technological frameworks, and behavioral theories underpinning effective game-based interventions in urban adaptation.Moreover, the chapter investigates the potential of gamified digital tools to democratize urban climate governance by promoting civic engagement and stakeholder dialogue. Challenges such as accessibility, scalability, and institutional acceptance are addressed, along with recommendations for integrating serious games into formal urban planning and policy frameworks. Ultimately, this chapter positions digital play as a novel, impactful instrument in the transition toward climate-resilient and inclusive urban futures.