Games with an SDGs theme: A roundup of board and card games
You often see SDGs—short for the Sustainable Development Goals—in various contexts, and to build a better future, it’s essential to raise awareness among more people and encourage them to incorporate the goals into their daily lives.
That’s why there are so many games themed around the SDGs these days.
In addition to numerous board and card games suitable for use at home or in schools, there are also SDG-focused games offered in corporate training programs.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of SDG-themed games that people of all ages can try.
These games are perfect for sparking conversations and reflections about the SDGs, so be sure to give them a try.
- [For Elementary School Students] Learn about the SDGs by Answering Quizzes!
- [Learn with a Quiz] Quiz Questions about the SDGs
- [For Kids] Exciting Class-vs-Class Games: Team Competition Activities
- Get the Fun Going! Easy Classroom Games You Can Play at School: Recreational Activities for the Whole Class
- [Childcare] Ideas for learning about the SDGs through play
- [Easy] A roundup of recommended card games that kids can enjoy too
- Types of card games and how to play them
- Fostering Cooperation: Recommended Games to Enjoy in the Boy Scouts
- Have Fun with Your Kids! A Roundup of Board Games Recommended for Parents and Children
- [For Elementary School Students] A Collection of Game Ideas to Use in Social Studies Classes
- [Elementary School] Recommended Ideas for Morality Games: Learn Through Play
- Guaranteed to boost team power! A collection of fun training game ideas
- Recommended card game. Easy! Fun! Adults get hooked too!
Games themed on the SDGs: A roundup of board and card games (1–10)
SDGs Old Maid
You know the card game Old Maid, right? “SDGs Old Maid” is a variation of that game.
The rules are mostly the same, but there’s one major difference: when you discard a card, you have to follow the instruction written on it.
The instructions are related to the SDGs, such as “Ask the people on both sides for help and work together.” By playing, you won’t just learn about the SDGs—you’ll also feel your heart warmed.
SDGs Outside-In Card Game
The “SDGs Outside-In Card Game” is known for being adopted by many companies for training.
It’s designed to help participants learn about the relationship between businesses and the SDGs.
While clearing SDG-related challenges, players launch new ventures and generate profits.
They then use those profits to start further ventures, contributing to the SDGs in the process—offering an experience that closely mirrors the real world.
Its high level of strategic depth will keep you fully engaged.
After you finish, be sure to enjoy reflecting on what happened in the game as well.
moritomirai
Protecting nature is also essential for a sustainable society.
However, even when people hear statements like “forests are shrinking” or “carbon dioxide levels are rising,” many find it hard to really feel the impact.
That’s why I’d like you to try a card game called “moritomirai (Forest and Future).” It’s designed to help you learn about the connection between everyday life and forests.
Through this game, experience what the world might be like if forests were to disappear.
Games themed on the SDGs: A roundup of board and card games (11–20)
Go Goals
Actually, there’s even a sugoroku game themed around the SDGs.
It’s called “Go Goals.” Its basic structure is the same as a typical sugoroku game.
However, if you land on a square labeled with one of the 17 SDG goals, you have to answer a quiz question about that goal.
With simple rules like this, players of a wide range of ages can enjoy learning together.
By the way, the quiz questions are designed to spark interest in the SDGs.
CHANGE FOR THE BLUE
If you want to study the issue of marine litter in depth, “CHANGE FOR THE BLUE” is recommended.
It’s a card game–style teaching material with several phases.
For example, there’s a phase where participants discuss solutions to the marine litter problem, and a phase where they actually go to the seaside and pick up trash.
It doesn’t end with just playing the game, so you can gain opportunities to learn more deeply.
By the way, the recommended number of players is around 30.
THE SDGs Action Card Game X
In achieving the SDGs, one crucial concept is trade-offs.
A trade-off refers to a relationship in which satisfying one side prevents the other from being satisfied.
For example, imagine a situation where two people both want the only card available.
“THE SDGs Action Card Game X” challenges players to propose solutions to such problems.
I hope you will try it with a focus on how to reach outcomes that everyone can accept.
Sustainable chain
It’s not a game, but there’s a business training program I really want to introduce: “Sustainable Chain.” In this program, participants take on roles such as raw material producers or retailers and engage in commercial transactions while working to achieve the SDGs.
A major advantage is that it doesn’t just cover the SDGs—you can also learn about marketing and how companies operate.
If you’re interested, please check the details with the company that provides the service.