CIRAD

Who Wants to Terminate the Game?: The Role of Vested Interests and Metaplayers in the ATOLLGAME Experience

ATOLLGAME functions as a computer-assisted role-playing simulation designed to navigate the complex intersection of hydrogeological modeling and socio-political conflict on the Tarawa atoll in Kiribati.

• ATOLLGAME demonstrates that participatory role-playing simulations can successfully transition stakeholders from bipolar conflict toward collaborative, technical, and social water management strategies.
• The long-term viability of community-led resource management is frequently undermined by 'meta-players'—external political and financial entities that prioritize rigid, top-down institutional agendas.
• Systemic project stagnation and the alienation of local populations occur when institutional goals override the consensus-based road maps developed through participatory gaming.