Exploring Arctic Water–Energy–Food Infrastructure Through Facilitated Gameplay: A Study with Southern Canadian Adults

Arctic water–energy–food (WEF) infrastructure presents material and logistical conditions that may be unfamiliar to audiences in southern Canada. This exploratory mixed-methods study examined how 28 southern Canadian adults explored and discussed these conditions during 12 facilitated sessions of NexusQuest, a 3D serious game representing Arctic WEF systems in simplified form. The study combined qualitative analysis of discussions during gameplay, post-play interviews, and written responses with pre/post self-ratings of understanding. Participants described surprise at above-ground utilities and remote supply costs, compared piped and trucked services, and questioned the model’s realism, omissions, and potential bias. Model questioning occurred during both gameplay and facilitated reflection, while some participants identified facilitator explanations as a principal source of information. Twenty participants gave higher post-session self-ratings, eight gave unchanged ratings, and none gave lower ratings, although the pre- and post-session questions differed in wording. We interpret participants’ surprise at unfamiliar infrastructure conditions and questioning of model assumptions through “friction as pedagogy,” a sensitizing concept developed during analysis. The findings show how infrastructure arrangements and resource displays served as shared reference points for discussing Arctic WEF relationships and examining the limits of their representation within an experience combining gameplay, explanation, and reflection.