
Games That Save Lives: How Simulation Can Prepare Us for Wildfires
2025-07-01
Author: Wei
Prepare for the Unexpected: Games That Make a Difference
Imagine a wildfire disaster strikes! You’re hectic, forced to evacuate, and faced with a frantic decision: what to leave behind? The new game ‘Firewise Residents’ offers players an immersive experience designed by researchers at UC Santa Cruz, challenging them to make crucial decisions under pressure.
An urgent issue, wildfires are becoming increasingly common, prompting experts from UC Santa Cruz’s Baskin School of Engineering to harness serious game design in order to prepare communities for this calamity. From virtual reality to engaging simulations, these creations aim to build resilience against the scorching threat of wildfires.
Building Community Resilience Through Play
According to MJ Johns, a Ph.D. student spearheading this game design project, utilizing such games helps engage communities that have long faced wildfire risks. The process of designing and playing these games encourages open, productive conversations about preparedness.
Katherine Isbister, another key player in this endeavor, focuses on creating interactive gaming experiences that foster emotional connections, particularly as climate change catalyzes more frequent disasters. She collaborates with community members to develop innovative methods for wildfire risk management.
Three Action-Packed Mobile Games
Now, players can explore three dynamic mobile mini-games: ‘Firewise Residents,’ ‘FireSafe Friends,’ and ‘Find Your Things.’ Each game presents users with complex scenarios demanding tough choices. By communicating with townsfolk in 'Firewise Residents,' packing emergency bags in 'Find Your Things,' and strategizing in 'FireSafe Friends,' players immerse themselves in the realities of wildfire preparedness.
The cutting-edge graphics, developed through fire simulation models from UC Berkeley, turn complicated data into a playable format accessible to everyone, creating an interactive environment where vital learning occurs.
Emotional Engagement: Learning to Act!
These games provide a safe space for tackling daunting topics, fostering engagement far superior to traditional fire safety presentations. Drawing inspiration from beloved games like Animal Crossing, players feel a connection to characters while contemplating difficult decisions.
Isbister states, "Game simulations give you a taste of the emotional textures involved and allow players to see the consequences of their choices." This rich framework helps generate comprehensive discussions and prepares communities for real-life situations.
Aiming for a Greater Impact
The team dreams of extending their reach across California and beyond, integrating their games into middle and high school curricula, while enabling fire marshals to facilitate play. They specifically want to empower students—often the most vulnerable during disasters—to spark dialogue within their families.
Yet understanding whether these games truly make an impact is critical. Researchers are shifting focus from individual learning to community transformation—analyzing who plays, how it ignites further discourse, and if attitudes change.
Exploring Future Possibilities with VR
In addition to mobile games, the UC Santa Cruz team is also developing a VR experience focused on packing a go-bag under pressure. This tech-driven initiative, born from stories shared by wildfire survivors, ensures that lessons learned from real-life experiences directly shape the game's narrative.
Crosby and Johns recently compared mobile and VR versions, discovering both formats yield similar educational benefits, though VR provides a more thrilling experience. They aim to adapt these games for diverse audiences while incorporating elements like smoke odors for enhanced immersion.
A Vision for Climate Resilience
With potential applications transcending wildfire preparedness, the researchers hope these video games will become a foundation for resilience training against other climate challenges, including sea-level rise. Each game fosters community learning, prepping everyone, from students to civic leaders, for real-world adversity.
As gaming technology evolves, so too does our ability to prepare for disasters. The hope is that, through collaborative and engaging experiences, communities can arm themselves for whatever challenges lie ahead.