Gamification often fails when it prioritizes superficial rewards like "badges" or "points" over deep meaning. In climate education, where the stakes are life and death, this risk is especially high. Effective gamification must use curiosity, challenge, and agency to invite children to make difficult choices and reflect on the outcomes. It isn't about getting the "right" answer on a quiz; it’s about understanding the complex trade-offs of environmental management.

ReGen’s approach treats games as immersive learning environments, not entertainment layers. Missions are grounded in real-world risks, where progress reflects a student's understanding of resilience rather than just their speed. For example, a simulation might ask: "Do you spend your budget on a flood wall or on a community warning system?" By allowing children to "fail safely" within a game, they develop the critical thinking skills needed to advocate for real-world changes.

Engagement should deepen learning, not dilute it. Research on "game-based learning" shows that when children are active decision-makers, they are 22 times more likely to remember the information than if they had simply read it. Our games are designed to be played in groups, fostering the collaborative problem-solving skills that are essential for community-led climate adaptation.