Game engines for sustainable open science software: a case study

AbstractGame engines are increasingly used beyond entertainment, offering powerful capabilities for scientific visualisation, participatory modelling, and sustainability-focused applications. Their ability to integrate heterogeneous open datasets, generate interactive 3D environments, and support multi-platform deployment positions them as promising tools for advancing open science. Yet, despite growing academic interest, challenges remain regarding accessibility, skill requirements, and the integration of game-engine workflows into scientific practice. This study investigates how researchers and practitioners perceive the role of game engines in sustainable open-science software development and applications, drawing on insights gathered during the Gaming for Sustainability conference held at Wageningen University in July 2025. The event brought together international experts and built upon Visio Creativia (an EU/NGI-funded open-source codeless 3D environment builder). Using survey responses (n = 33) and qualitative feedback, we analyse the perceived opportunities and barriers surrounding the use of game engines for sustainability applications. Findings show enthusiasm for their potential to enhance communication, education, and simulation of environmental and market processes, while highlighting substantial challenges relating to skill gaps, licensing, equipment costs, and the technical complexity of game-engine ecosystems. Furthermore, a multiple linear regression analysis reveals that perceptions of ease of use predict confidence in the sustainability potential of game engines.