Journal of Social Entrepreneurship and Creative Technology
Vol. 2 No. 4 (2025)

GAMIFYING SOCIAL CHANGE: DESIGNING A MOBILE GAME TO PROMOTE PRO-ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIORS AS A SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP INITIATIVE

Lucas Wong (Singapore Management University)
Seo Jiwon (Sogang University)
Ingrid Olsson (Malmö University)
Dodi Setiawan Riatmaja (Universitas Amikom Yogyakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
16 Aug 2025

Abstract

The environmental “attitude-action gap” persists, as most “green apps” fail to motivate users or achieve long-term financial sustainability. This study aims to design, develop, and test a mobile game framework that bridges this gap by integrating behavioral psychology with a sustainable social entrepreneurship model. Design-Based Research (DBR) approach was used, culminating in a 6-week, mixed-methods pilot study (n=500). Data was collected via in-game analytics, pre/post-test surveys (Pro-Environmental Behavior Scale, PEBS; Intrinsic Motivation Inventory, IMI), and qualitative interviews. The intervention yielded strong engagement (28.1% Wk6 retention) and a statistically significant increase in self-reported Pro-Environmental Behaviors (PEBS) (p < .001, Cohen’s d = 0.82). High intrinsic motivation (4.4/5.0 IMI) was observed, with ‘Social Relatedness’ (? = .45) being the strongest predictor of retention. The B2C social enterprise model was validated., when co-designed as a social enterprise, is empirically validated as an effective and sustainable framework for motivating PEBs. The model successfully bridges the attitude-action gap by prioritizing social connection.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jseact

Publisher

Subject

Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management

Description

Journal of Social Entrepreneurship and Creative Technology is an international forum for the publication of peer-reviewed integrative review articles, special thematic issues, reflections or comments on previous research or new research directions, interviews, replications, and intervention articles ...