The Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) has developed MainKassandra, a simulation game that clearly shows what adaptation to climate change can look like. Through game-based learning, decision-makers from industry and society develop practical solutions to global challenges – without any prior knowledge.
Published on 23 May 2025
How does a company react when an extreme heatwave suddenly paralyses production, or heavy rain floods the company premises? Such scenarios are no longer dystopian visions of the future but have become a possibility due to climate change. This is where THWS' MainKassandra simulation game comes in: it enables managers and employees to experience the effects of climate change on companies in a protected gaming environment and to develop and discuss appropriate measures. The aim is to not only react, but also act proactively, i.e. anticipating events, while maintaining a balance between ecological and economic interests.
MainKassandra puts participants in fictional roles in which they make business decisions. Whether it is keeping logistics running despite snowstorms or introducing new production methods, there are many different challenges. The teams are supported by an interactive catalogue of measures. It offers over 80 strategies for climate adaptation and climate protection. In this way, concrete threats are overcome, and long-term solutions are developed.
THWS pioneering sustainable education
The simulation game was developed as part of the MainKlimaPLUS research project, which received nearly EUR 200,000 in funding from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety and ran from 1 April 2021 to 30 June 2023. The aim of the project was to address the current challenges of climate change and develop appropriate educational components. "The idea was to create a gamified educational offering," adds Professor Dr.-Ing. Jan Schmitt, THWS Vice President for Research and Engineering. He previously headed the Institute for Digital Engineering (IDEE) and took over the management of the MainKlimaPLUS project.
Professor Dr.-Ing. Schmitt and Sophie Fischer, research associate at THWS, developed the simulation game in a team with three student assistants, supported by professional educational game developers from Be-Su Solution. The game is aimed at companies that want to prepare strategically for the challenges of climate change. Using a playful approach, MainKassandra simulates real events and challenges teams to develop creative and effective adaptation strategies. "The Schweinfurt region is an industrial hub which increasingly has to deal with the direct and indirect effects of climate change," explains Sophie Fischer.
From idea to development
Developing MainKassandra was an exciting and challenging task, says Fischer. "We had never developed a game before and first had to familiarise ourselves with game systems and logic. We also had to define the learning and gaming objectives we wanted to achieve."
A central element of the game is that participants must make decisions for fictional companies in order to protect them from climate events. To do this, they slip into different roles and act, for example, as the CEO of the fictional company. "The mistakes made in the protected game environment have no consequences, which allows players to try out innovative and bold solutions," says Fischer.
What makes MainKassandra unique?
What makes MainKassandra special is the combination of teamwork, strategy development, and discussion. The participants, usually teams of three to five people, have to overcome challenges such as extreme weather events. "The exchange between players is extremely valuable in developing solutions together," says Vice President Professor Dr.-Ing. Schmitt. Players learn how to operate with a limited budget and develop long-term strategies.
Compared to traditional training courses or lectures, MainKassandra offers an interactive and practical approach. Participants experience first-hand how their decisions affect company performance. It is important that the teams are as diverse as possible, emphasises Fischer: "This way, everyone benefits from individual experiences, opinions, and values. This creates the inspiration that you take home with you after the game." This dynamic not only promotes exchange within the teams, but also reflection on existing corporate practices. The combination of realistic simulation and strategic thinking makes MainKassandra a valuable didactic approach for anyone who wants to develop sustainable and future-oriented corporate strategies.
Positive response potential for the future
Since the first test phase, the simulation game has consistently received positive feedback. "The players particularly appreciated the discussions and the opportunity to approach the topic in a creative way," reports Fischer. A total of 54 people from various target groups have participated so far, including students and district administration employees as well as managers and employees in climate protection roles from companies.
The consolidation of MainKassandra is already underway. "We are working on an English version of the game so that it can also be used internationally," says Fischer. As part of the Erasmus Plus project "Project Personal Green Skills in Higher Education", MainKassandra will become part of a 3-ECTS blended intensive programme to promote sustainability skills among students and teachers at universities in Germany, Lithuania, Finland, Austria, and Spain. Thanks to the EU project, MainKassandra will continue to be played and further developed in order to "improve the game and then tailor it to international students," says Fischer.
Sustainable education as the key to climate adaptation
With MainKassandra, THWS has created an innovative educational programme that conveys the often abstract topic of climate adaptation in a tangible and practical way. The simulation game impressively demonstrates how game-based learning can help companies and local authorities develop sustainable strategies. The aim is to encourage people to rethink their attitudes and show that even small steps can have a big impact. With this approach, THWS emphasises the importance of education and innovation in dealing with the consequences of climate change.
