Tallinn University researcher explores how narrative games help understand future risks
Tallinn University School of Digital Technologies Junior Research Fellow Peadar Callaghan presented his paper “Threat Forge: Using a Narrative Game to Explore Future Societal Challenges” at the 19th European Conference on Game-Based Learning (ECGBL), where it received the best PhD paper presentation award.
About the research
The paper introduces ThreatForge, a narrative co-creation game developed to explore complex and uncertain future scenarios, particularly in the context of cybersecurity and societal resilience.
The study, conducted at Tallinn University’s Game Lab, examined how players without prior training could engage in meaningful discussions using frameworks such as DIME (Diplomatic, Information, Military, Economic) and PMESII (Political, Military, Economic, Social, Information, Infrastructure). Findings from a formal playtest showed that the game effectively encouraged deep reflection on complex issues and supported structured group discussion.
The research demonstrates how narrative games can be used not only to communicate knowledge but also to generate new insights through player interaction. Following the conference, Peadar Callaghan has begun discussions with the U.S. Army Cyber Institute and other European partners to explore further applications of the game in foresight and training contexts.