Playable Policy Design: The FuturGov Game as Means to Negotiate Future-Situated Policy Options

Situated in the context of the increased integration of foresight and citizen engagement in European policy developments, this paper outlines the FuturGov game and the game's potential to develop futures and political literacy through leveraging the 'safe spaces’ for engagement that the game creats. We argue that the use of FuturGov game could lead to enhanced understanding of power dynamics in society and active citizenship. Five possible applications of the game are examined: scenario immersion through role playing; development of deliberation skills: development of negotiation and persuasion skills; educational and research tool; and identification of unique stakeholder goals.