A Biodiversity-Food-Governance Game
Can you balance nature, agriculture, and governance? Work together, make bold decisions, and shape a sustainable future in PATHBREAK—where every choice matters.
Imagine a world where the food on your plate, the health of our planet, and the choices of communities and individuals are all connected.
PATHBREAK is a dynamic collective action game where players work together to balance nature, agriculture, and governance. As farmers, policymakers, and individuals with diverse backgrounds, needs and interests, you’ll face real-world challenges—protect endangered species, ensure livelihoods and food security, exercise your electoral rights and responsibilities, and navigate political landscapes. But overcoming the dilemmas and breaking the path to a sustainable future is not easy. Can your group manage it? What bold decisions, trade-offs, and collaborations will it take? The future is in your hands—collaborate, strategise, and shape a world where both people and nature can flourish!
What you need to play the game: 7 to 14 players and 1-2 facilitators, a room with computer and internet, download the game board and materials (see details in the facilitator manual).
The challenges of biodiversity loss, food security, and governance are deeply interconnected, yet too often addressed in isolation.
We developed PATHBREAK to spark dialogue, inspire collaboration, and help players experience the tough trade-offs and shared responsibilities that shape our world. By stepping into the roles of farmers, policymakers, and simply individuals with diverse backgrounds, needs and interests, players navigate real-world dilemmas, discovering firsthand what it takes to break unsustainable cycles and forge new paths. Through play, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities at stake and empower people to explore innovative solutions for a more just and resilient future.
PATHBREAK is particularly suitable for classrooms interested in exploring questions at the intersection of the environment and society both in formal and non-formal educational settings, stakeholder workshops on biodiversity and food politics, and any group that would like to learn how to overcome complex social dilemmas.
Important Information Before You Start
Please note that the Pathbreak game is not an online game you can start instantly. To play, you’ll need at least 8 participants and one or two facilitators. Facilitators will need to prepare in advance by studying the materials and manual, preparing printouts, scheduling the game session, and inviting and confirming participants. This preparation is essential for a smooth and engaging game experience.