Leveraging the engagement of games to change energy behavior

In this paper we present an ongoing research project that seeks to improve home energy behavior by connecting it to gameplay within an online multiplayer game. The project examines how the engagement mechanisms common in popular games may be leveraged to promote desired real-world energy behaviors among players. By inputting real world home energy data into a compelling social game, such information may be transformed into a more palatable and relevant form of feedback. Further, by tying energy-friendly real-world behaviors to in-game rewards, users may be incentivized to complete them. A completed game prototype, Power House, is described, and will be available for play during the conference.