I realized it was more effective to share my votes in different initiatives rather than only my own because I get to benefit from their outcomes too.
--Participant in European BioInvasions at the 2022 Berlin workshop
Rarely is a topic implemented so well in the mechanics of a game, plus the topic itself is mega interesting and the game graphically very strong
--Anika Thiel on Raccoon Rampage boardgame
We are a consultancy company specializing in the design and development of Serious Games—engaging and thought-provoking experiences that combine entertainment with education. Our expertise spans board games, computer games, and role-playing games, all crafted to tackle complex and pressing topics such as climate change, public health, and the challenges posed by invasive species.
By blending scientific accuracy with creative storytelling, we create games that inspire learning, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful conversations. Whether you’re looking to educate, raise awareness, or explore solutions to real-world issues, our games provide a unique and impactful way to engage your audience.
A semi-cooperative strategy boardgame where players navigate alliances and rivalries to manage the raccoon invastion in Europe. Perfect for 3-4 players in classrooms or on family game nights, BioInvaders! Raccoon Rampage is ideal for fostering negotiation skills while learning about how to tackle real-world ecological challenges.
cf.me set out to change the way people get daily news by blending editorial content with playful, habitual interactions. The company later rebranded as Shades News. We were engaged to design a cohesive experience across the website and mobile app. We designed two iOS games that could act as lightweight, daily touchpoints. “baw” and “wurd” were conceived as quick, replayable titles that complement reading sessions—offering snackable play during news breaks and providing new entry points back into the news experience.
A Role-Playing Game aimed at expert and real life stakeholders that have to deal with invasive species, European BioInvasions covers multiple species and how we might manage them in different potential European futures.
A digital narrative game that draws on science concerning living wages and decent work. Developed in partnership with the University of Glasgow and University of Edinburgh, Superbmarket can be used to develop understanding of the impact of poor quality and low paid work for employees and their leaders.
Gaming Climate Futures (2018) is a climate policy simulation we developed with Glasgow Caledonian University students for UN decision makers that operationalizes the relationship between global temperature targets and climate tipping points. Delivered as a mixed-media workshop—combining game mechanics, structured negotiations, storytelling, and co-creation—it functions as a decision-support and learning tool to deepen understanding of systemic climate risks while strengthening diplomatic communication. The project was nominated for Best Game at the 2019 International Educational Games Competition.
In addition to building our own titles, we offer design consultancy to game studios, providing flexible on-demand expertise.
We provided consultancy support to NoCode on Observation, contributing to usability analysis for experimental narrative interfaces and content and system cohesion review. Our involvement was limited but focused on helping refine the player experience in this innovative story-driven game.
We were involved with Channel 4’s Party Pugs project, contributing to writing and level design. Our role included providing feedback to the team creating the rest of the levels, helping ensure consistency and quality across the game’s content designed for a broad audience.
We provided consultancy support to NoCode on Stories Untold, contributing to usability analysis for experimental narrative interfaces and content and system cohesion review. Our role was supportive, helping the team balance novelty with readability across their innovative episodic content.
Paidia is led by Dr. David Gérouville-Farrell, who brings over 20 years of experience in technology and design-related fields. While at Glasgow Caledonian University, Dr. Gérouville-Farrell led a research team and managed projects totaling £2.5 million over seven years.
The research team specialized in developing serious games in collaboration with subject matter experts from other universities. Their work focused on game design pedagogy and effectively communicating complex concepts through interactive entertainment, while their academic partners contributed expertise in their respective fields. Notable collaborations include working with Purdue University and Oxford University on climate change simulation games designed for international diplomats.
Dr. Gérouville-Farrell has authored approximately 40 papers in the field of educational and serious game design and has developed and designed more than 10 games in this space. His expertise lies in translating intricate ideas into engaging game systems, including digital games, board games, and role-playing games. His skills extend to game design, computer science, artificial intelligence, and public science communication.
Paidia continues this legacy, consisting of Dr. Gérouville-Farrell and his former research team from Glasgow Caledonian University. Together, they partner with academic subject matter experts to transform research into impactful, game-based experiences that effectively engage audiences.
We’d love to help you make a game - contact us at games@paidia.fun
