Ecologist-researcher Priti Bangal and game designer Prasad Sandbhor are joining forces to bring environmental education to the gaming world with their upcoming collaborative board game, “Birds in the City.”
Bangal, who has spent the last decade studying bird communities and behavior, shares that the idea for the game emerged from conversations with Sandbhor during their research endeavors. Their previous game, “Flocks,” was born from Bangal’s studies on forest birds, and they realized the potential of using gaming as a tool for science outreach.
The duo’s new project, “Birds in the City,” aims to highlight the avian diversity present in urban environments. Designed to promote teamwork, the game challenges players to construct the city in a manner that attracts various bird species.
Sandbhor highlights the playful approach taken in the game’s development, aiming to engage players while imparting knowledge about urban birdlife. The project, initiated in late 2021 with the support of a grant from the Bengaluru Sustainability Forum Small Grants Program, underwent iterative design processes, with continuous play-testing and refinement.
Central to the game’s ethos is fostering ongoing discussions among players about birds and their habitats. Bangal expresses hopes for future updates to the game and potential adaptations for other Indian cities, further expanding its educational impact. Set for release this April, “Birds in the City” represents a unique endeavor to blend entertainment with environmental awareness, offering players an immersive experience while promoting appreciation for the avian inhabitants of Bengaluru’s urban landscape.
