Game review: Carbon City Zero (world edition)

What is Carbon City Zero?

In Carbon City Zero you play the role of a city mayor with the very worthy ambition of trying to create a more sustainable city. In this collaborative game, you must work with the other city mayors to battle poor transport, lobby government and replace those high carbon producing factories with more carbon-neutral alternatives. Everyone wins together or loses! You collectively begin the game with 50 carbon and if you manage to get this to zero before the end of the last turn you win! However, if the carbon level reaches 65 on any turn it speeds up the turn marker and moves the cities one step forward to a pollution filled gloom. The game also comes with rules for rival mayors (a competitive game) and the lone mayor (solo game).

Is it Fun?

The game is certainly fun. It is based on a straightforward set of mechanics in which mayors take it in turns to play the cards in their hands and apply any effects. When finished they may use the card’s income to purchase other cards from the marketplace, which can reduce carbon levels when they come into play. For example, with an income of five, you can buy a biogas plant which not only reduces carbon by two but generates income of its own. Of course, nothing is straightforward and the dreaded snag cards can hinder your efforts. A personal favourite is ‘bad press’, which stops mayors talking for a whole turn. There is a surprising amount of strategy in such a small game as you balance the in-game card effects. Some cards work together (link). For example, playing the expensive skilled workforce stops your factories producing carbon. The game begins in an equal society with each mayor having the same starting hand, this makes repeat games interesting as mayors try and replicate strategies in subsequent games. 

Is it Educational?

The game really does stimulate dialogue and discussions about climate change. It encourages players to talk about things like trade-offs. For example, is it okay to build some low cost, high income producing factories early in the game to raise enough money to lobby ministers or even hold a global summit? The game is based on real-life challenges and, though presented in simplified cartoon way, replicates the complexities of creating sustainable cities. The game also comes with a handy little glossary explaining all in-game terms and ideas and how they contribute (or not) to a more sustainable future.

Conclusion

A wonderful little game that is great for families to get them talking about climate change and sustainable cities. A must-have!

Dr Louise Robinson is Lecturer in Forensic Biology and Dr Ian Turner an Associate Professor in Learning and Teaching, both at the University of Derby.