Gamification for the Heat Transition
Kickoff for the Heat Transition: The “Team Warmth” Simulation Game
From ideation to nationwide scaling of a participatory planning tool
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The Team Warmth simulation game turns complex municipal heat planning into an interactive experience. Different technologies are cast as football players and vivid characters with strengths and weaknesses, who together form the ideal heat “dream team” for 2045. Ellery Studio developed the visual concept, reworked the game mechanics, and turned a functional prototype into a nationally scalable acceleration tool for professional heat-planning processes.
The Challenge
The Heat Transition Needs Dialogue
By 2028, every German municipality must submit a heat plan. Yet few know how to bring the many stakeholders involved to the same table. Our brief: turn a functional prototype from the dena Competence Centre for Municipal Heat Planning (KWW) into a standalone, accessible, and visually compelling communication tool. What makes it special: the game is designed to foster genuine collaboration and generate concrete visions for local heat planning.
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Deliverables
Characters, Cards, and Conversation Starters
The game makes heat planning discussable. Technologies such as heat pumps, solar thermal, and geothermal energy become characters with strengths and weaknesses. This translation creates a shared language for local government, municipal utilities, and industry. The visually designed playing cards act as conversation starters that spark expert discussion. The result is a standalone tool that can be deployed nationwide by trained facilitators.
1
Character Development
A complete overhaul of the technology characters with new illustrations, personality profiles, and playful names. Every energy source gained a memorable identity.
2
Game Mechanics Optimization
Development of improved scoring systems and gameplay flow. New scoring chips make the cards easier to handle during discussion.
3
Facilitation Handbook
A comprehensive manual with game instructions, facilitation tips, and print templates. Editorially prepared for nationwide use without the creators needing to be present.
4
Overall Visual Concept
Development of a cohesive design that fits seamlessly into the dena KWW corporate design. A graphic system for cards, game board, and accompanying materials.
Learnings
Thematic Deep Dives
Gamification & Serious Games as a Gateway to Complex Topics
Why does the Team Warmth simulation game work so well? The football metaphor creates a shared language that everyone involved understands. Instead of discussing “sector coupling”, participants talk about “building the team”. This playful layer lowers the barrier to engagement and turns even technical laypeople into competent conversation partners. The game acts as an emotional icebreaker: people who laugh together work together better. At the same time, the technical rigor is preserved – the characters carry genuine technical properties and potential.
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From Vision to Reality – Participatory Future Planning
What makes the Team Warmth simulation game special is its methodology: participants first develop an ideal vision for 2045 before getting lost in details. This shift in perspective frees them from current constraints and enables genuine innovation. Mapping that vision onto the local city plan afterward makes it tangible and actionable. The result is not just abstract scenarios, but concrete foundations for the planning steps that follow. The method shows: participation works best when it is both visionary and practical.
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