Game-Based Metaverse Design for Mountain Sustainability and Inclusive Access

This study investigates the use of game based design and metaverse environments as tools for mountain sustainability communication and inclusive access. Developed within the NODES Digital and Sustainable Mountain framework, the research presents a mountain area as a case study to explore how immersive digital systems can support territorial interpretation without replicating physical reality. The project follows a Design Thinking methodology that integrates contextual analysis, data collection, user experience design, and iterative testing. The metaverse environment organises sustainability themes into interactive pathways aligned with the NODES flagship projects. A second application within an educational context tested the transferability of the same approach to inclusive scenarios involving physical and social vulnerability. Results suggest that carefully designed game based immersive systems can enhance engagement, support experiential access, and contribute to sustainability communication. The study highlights the potential of immersive spaces as flexible infrastructures for territorial activation and inclusive learning.