In The Future of Energy (CHEMMAT 304), a Part III elective, we were challenged to develop transferable skills and take on a multidisciplinary approach to solving technical problems related to climate change.

As Team Confidence Connoisseurs, we wanted to tackle New Zealand’s rising transport emissions while also building our own self-confidence. We knew we wanted to create something that would really engage younger generations, so we drew inspiration from games we loved growing up like board games, Hopscotch, Twister, and of course, Jenga. That’s how Carbon Collapse was born: an educational, Jenga-inspired game that reflects how individual and collective transport choices impact the environment.

In the game, players face real-world dilemmas related to emissions. Every decision they make affects the stability of the tower, mirroring the delicate balance of our climate. We designed the game to be interactive and relatable, using New Zealand-based scenarios to encourage sustainable transport habits. Alongside developing the game, we also built a fuel cell car to explore alternative energy solutions in transport.

The game development process was a journey that strengthened our teamwork and self-confidence. We explored concepts, made decisions on game mechanics, and brought Carbon Collapse to life through hands-on work like designing, cutting, 3D printing and painting the Jenga blocks. Each step pushed us to collaborate, problem-solve, and step out of our comfort zones. By the end of the semester, we had strengthened our ability to tackle complex problems, both in engineering and beyond 🙂