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March 9-13, 2026
Moscone CenterSan Francisco, CA

Agenda

Creating a Culture of Sustainability in Tabletop Games

Carol Mertz  (Game Designer, Independent/Green Games Guide)
Location: Room 3018, West Hall
Date: Monday, March 9
Time: 11:50 am - 12:20 pm
Pass Type: Festival Pass, Game Changer Pass - Get your pass now!
Audience Level: All
Track: Culture & Sustainability, Design
Format: Lecture
Vault Recording: Video
Audience Level: All

Creators in the tabletop industry hold the keys to reducing the carbon footprint of board games. Learn how board games negatively impact the climate crisis and what designers, publishers, and manufacturers can do to reduce their environmental impact. Along with the ways that we can change the culture of sustainability for ourselves and our players. We will discuss both practical and idealist methods to challenge the status quo of tabletop game production and distribution.

Takeaway

Attendees will learn about sustainable production methods and earth-friendlier materials for tabletop games and game merch, as well as ways we as an industry can improve the culture of sustainability around physical games.

Intended Audience

The target audience of this session is tabletop game designers, developers, and publishers who are interested in decreasing the carbon footprint of board game production. While some practical experience in tabletop game production will provide added context, no prerequisite knowledge is necessary.