THE VERSATILITY OF LOCATION BASED GAMES FOR LANDSCAPE KNOWLEDGE: FROM ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION TO TOURISM

New generations are incredibly familiar with video games and mobile applications that are actually widespread. Moreover, youth loves nature even though they are not used to experience activities in nature. Location Based Games (LBG) for mobile devices have been recognized as valuable tools for a variety of purposes connected to the sustainable exploitation of a natural area. They provide educational benefits (information), they can create connections among different generations - knowhow, memory - and when the game is developed by mixed groups, they can be a tourist "guide" or a tool of knowledge for tourism. At European level, two projects have developed and tested an environmental learning methodology for the production of location based games inspiring nature conservation: INVOLEN (Intergenerational Learning for Nature Conservation Volunteers, co-funded by LLP-GRUNDVIG) and RAISE (Raising the Environmental Awareness among Young People, funded by Erasmus+), target nature conservation volunteers, youth in/out of the school and elders for promoting nature conservation and environmental awareness using gamebased learning. The methodology, based on practical volunteering activities on site, collection of information and materials from environmental experts and the development of the game story and the LBG using open source platform, is suitable for any kind of environment and landscape - willingness and technological curiosity are the main skills for facilitators of the process - while LBGs can be a nice challenge for anyone willing to produce an innovative tool for the knowledge of the area - the only limit is the internet coverage though some games can be played offline.