CoEnergy: A Metaverse-Inspired Interactive Game Framework for Strategic Contribution in Local Energy Markets

Energy markets, featuring complex economic and technical characteristics, require educational and simulation environments. These environments enable users and developers gain a deeper understanding and real experience of the concepts and challenge. However, there is a clear lack of interactive educational platforms that can effectively convey these hands-on experience in a visual and conceptual way. In this article, an interactive game framework is introduced for the metaverse-inspired simulation, to present the experience of the concepts of the local energy market. Through engaging visual interactions, advanced mechanics and intelligent non-player character (NPC) behaviors, players are trained to learn the roles of prosumers and consumers, and their energy trade rules, relying on the digital twin acting as a mirrored manifestation of the real world in the imaginary world of metaverse. Players can engage in the game through both offline and online modes, where they have the opportunity to test and improve their trading strategies by managing energy and price. This paper presents the theoretical framework of the strategic contribution of the game players in local energy market, as well as the main features and illustrations of the developed game named as CoEnergy.