Energization
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Terry Soule, University of Idaho; and John Kumm, University of Idaho
Presentation Date
7-15-2026
Abstract
Energization is an educational video game designed to teach students about energy and water systems. Students will run a simulated energy utility and compete against peers to determine who can create the most successful powerplant ecosystem. After connecting to the host from their device, players are provided a gridded map and menus that help them decide the types and sizes of powerplants they wish to create. Additionally, an in-game encyclopedia is accessible at all times with detailed information on vocabulary and powerplant statistics. The host can change the difficulty of the game and monitor player decisions through the instructor panel. Success is based on four categories: Profit, Reliability, Emissions, and Customer Satisfaction. Students will be faced with challenging decisions as they learn about the pros and cons of each powerplant and their effects on each category. This project has been in development for two years between two teams with the support of the University of Idaho’s Polymorphic Games and College of Engineering’s Energy Institute.
Energization
Energization is an educational video game designed to teach students about energy and water systems. Students will run a simulated energy utility and compete against peers to determine who can create the most successful powerplant ecosystem. After connecting to the host from their device, players are provided a gridded map and menus that help them decide the types and sizes of powerplants they wish to create. Additionally, an in-game encyclopedia is accessible at all times with detailed information on vocabulary and powerplant statistics. The host can change the difficulty of the game and monitor player decisions through the instructor panel. Success is based on four categories: Profit, Reliability, Emissions, and Customer Satisfaction. Students will be faced with challenging decisions as they learn about the pros and cons of each powerplant and their effects on each category. This project has been in development for two years between two teams with the support of the University of Idaho’s Polymorphic Games and College of Engineering’s Energy Institute.