A team of computer animation students at Swinburne University of Technology have designed an online computer game to help children understand ways they can reduce their impact on climate change.

Program Coordinator of Multimedia and Games at Swinburne, Peter Ciszewski, said the student designers have incorporated educative elements into animation and game play techniques to produce the game.

“The game requests the player to be a hero and save black balloons by performing a number of energy saving actions such as switching off lights and appliances before the snowman melts because of the effects of climate change,” said Ciszewski.

“We have designed this game to appeal to late primary school and early secondary school students, but I think lots of adults may also enjoy playing it.

“The game really gives kids the understanding and empowers them by letting them know that their individual actions can reduce their impact on climate change.”

The game was developed as part of the ‘Keep Winter Cool’ climate change initiative which is a partnership between the Alpine Resorts Coordinating Council (ARCC), the Australian Alps Liaison Committee, and the Australian Ski Areas Association.

The project was made possible by a partnership with the Victorian Government’s Energy Saving Campaign, better known as the ‘black balloons’ campaign.

Chairman of the ARCC Andrew Fairley, said the game “Keep Winter Cool or the Snowman Gets It” will help children understand that every time they use energy they are producing greenhouse gases which add to global warming.

“The game is really engaging, kids think it looks cool and best of all it helps them develop a connection between the causes and effects of climate change while having fun playing the game,” he said.

‘Keep Winter Cool or the Snowman Gets It’ is available to play free online at www.keepwintercool.com.au.