Indie Game Designer hosts a side table activity with Legislative members and student interns.
Earlier this month, we had the unique opportunity to attend Legislative Tabletop Gaming Night at the Washington State Capitol, hosted by the Department of Enterprise Services. This event, held inside the Legislative Building itself, was designed to introduce lawmakers and legislative staff to the vibrant and growing world of tabletop games—and to show how these games can inform and support policy conversations around a multi-billion-dollar creative industry that Washington is proud to call home.
We were honored to be invited by Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, and joined the event thanks to Sarah “Sam” Saltiel, a faculty member at Evergreen and a leader in game-based education. The two of which had a breakfast meeting with other industry designers and producers. Together, we shared how tabletop roleplaying and board games can be used as powerful tools in the classroom and beyond, especially in the context of climate change, environmental literacy, and community resilience.
At our table, representing the Center for Climate Action and Sustainability, we explored how educational games can help players of all ages develop systems thinking, empathy, collaboration skills, and a deeper understanding of sustainability and justice. It was a joy to engage with curious community members, policy staff, and fellow educators in conversation about the role games can play in tackling real-world issues.
This event was especially well-timed, as we’re also releasing a Spring blog post with recommendations for climate- and environment-themed tabletop games that educators, students, families, and curious learners can explore. From cooperative play to scenario-building, these games offer a hands-on way to imagine and practice the futures we want to build. You can find that blog post here in the coming week!
Looking Ahead: Earth Month Events
We’re also excited to announce three special events coming up this April for Earth Month at Evergreen:
Worldwide Climate & Justice Games Day | 
Wednesday, April 9
As part of the Worldwide Climate Education Week initiative, we’re hosting a game session using titles like CATAN – New Energies to spark dialogue about the climate crisis, energy transitions, and global citizenship. Come play, learn, and connect with others passionate about justice and the planet.
Earth (Field) Day – Red Square Field Day | Tuesday, April 22
Join us for a laid-back, earth-loving field day celebration in Red Square! We’ll have fun games, and ways to engage with sustainability and each other. Drop by anytime from 12-1:30!
Rachel Carson Forum: Stories of Adaptation | Thursday, April 24
Honoring the legacy of Rachel Carson—pioneering scientist, writer, and environmental activist—this event brings together a diverse group of speakers to reflect on the evolution of environmental work, the challenges ahead, and the stories that shape our path forward. Hosted by the Master of Environmental Studies Association (MESA), as we celebrate 40 years of the MES program!
At the Climate Center, we believe that imagination is a climate solution, and games can be a portal into more just, resilient, and creative futures. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just curious, we hope you’ll join us this spring in playing for the planet.
Stay tuned for updates and sign up for event notifications at: www.evergreen.edu/climate/events-and-workshops
#TabletopForChange #ClimateEducation #ClimateJusticeGames #EarthMonth #EvergreenClimateAction #SustainabilityThroughPlay #EvergreenEarthWeek