Playing toward sustainability: Feasibility of a game-based learning tool for climate-conscious meal design

The transition toward more climate-conscious public meals requires new professional competencies among food professionals. Game-based learning (GBL) may offer a motivating approach to continuing professional education, yet its feasibility within professional culinary contexts remains underexplored. This feasibility study aimed to assess the acceptability of the GBL approach through a GBL tool, The Meal Mission, and the demand for future use among food professionals. This tool was piloted within a continuing education course on green transition. Data were collected through participant observation, a survey including open- and closed-ended questions, and a group interview ( n = 14). Qualitative data were analyzed using applied thematic analysis, and quantitative survey responses were analyzed descriptively. Across data sources, participants perceived the GBL tool as engaging and relevant for reflection on climate impact, ingredient choice, and the balance between sustainability, cost, sensory, and nutritional quality. Gameplay stimulated dialogue around decision-making challenges such as substituting protein sources, adjusting meal components, and negotiating sensory acceptability. Seventy-eight percent of participants reported experiencing new insights (“aha moments”), and several expressed intent to implement the GBL tool in workplace training settings. Quantitative results aligned with qualitative patterns, indicating positive reception and early indications of demand. As a feasibility study, the findings do not demonstrate effectiveness or behavioral change, but they suggest that GBL may function as a feasible approach for supporting learning-related engagement in professional contexts. The study provides direction for future work to test implementation at scale, explore transfer to real-world kitchen practice, and evaluate longer-term learning outcomes. • GBL stimulated reflection on sustainable and gastronomic meal design • Food professionals discussed taste, protein quality, and climate trade-offs • Gameplay encouraged creative menu composition and decision-making • Participants reported new insights and workplace applicability • Results indicate GBL relevance for professional foodservice upskilling