Rebirth

Rebirth is an educational 3D open-world game about reforestation planning, developed as a student project. Step into the role of an Environmental Field Officer tasked with restoring a forest suffering from low tree cover and declining carbon absorption.

Set in a forest on the outskirts of a growing urban city, the game begins with a cinematic introducing the environmental challenges caused by deforestation and the urgent need for ecological restoration. Your mission is to design a successful reforestation project that will improve the forest's ability to absorb CO₂ while protecting the local ecosystem.

The game is divided into three acts, each inspired by real-world environmental practices:

Act 1 – Survey the Forest Explore the forest to identify priority planting areas and document evidence of local flora and fauna. Using a camera and field clipboard, you'll conduct an authentic forest survey with minimal guidance, encouraging observation, exploration, and independent decision-making.

Act 2 – Assess Soil Quality Learn and apply the Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure (VESS) method to analyse soil conditions. The game recreates the real-world VESS procedure, allowing players to perform soil sampling and understand how soil quality influences reforestation planning.

Act 3 – Negotiate for Support Present your findings to the mayor of a nearby town and secure support for the reforestation project. The mayor is powered by an AI-driven conversational system designed to simulate realistic dialogue and decision-making. Using the evidence gathered throughout the game, you must build a convincing case within a focused negotiation that concludes after four to five exchanges.

Rebirth combines environmental science, exploration, and interactive storytelling to provide an engaging introduction to sustainable forestry and conservation. By blending authentic fieldwork with AI-powered conversations, the game offers a unique learning experience that demonstrates the challenges and decision-making involved in real-world ecological restoration.

Awards

• Best Overall Creative Project – London Student Sustainability Conference
• Best Student Developed Game – Serious Games Showcase & Challenge Europe 2026, organised by DSET