A1 Journal article (refereed)
Le Grand Jeu and the potential of money games for exploring economic possibilities (2024)

Petz, M., Bonelli, F., & Eskelinen, T. (2024). Le Grand Jeu and the potential of money games for exploring economic possibilities. Degrowth journal, 2, Article 00051. https://doi.org/10.36399/degrowth.002.01.01

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Petz, Marcus; Bonelli, Federico; Eskelinen, Teppo

Journal or series: Degrowth journal

eISSN: 2977-1951

Publication year: 2024

Publication date: 12/02/2024

Volume: 2

Article number: 00051

Publisher: Degrowth Journal

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36399/degrowth.002.01.01

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/93790

Abstract

This article provides a case study of the game Le Grand Jeu (LGJ), which extends into a general analysis of the potential of games in the diversification of the economy, in particular with regard to money. Further, we explore LGJ’s capacity to expand the horizon of the possible, as is often called for in theories of degrowth and related literature. Le Grand Jeu is a game, developed via community arts, used for the introduction of cryptocurrencies. We explore the development of that game and how it can be used as a tool that allows the utopian propensity to be explored and purposed to our own reality. We discuss the role of money, or more appropriately, monies, in generating social change, and locate this discussion in the context of degrowth literature. Practical degrowth alternatives to current mainstream economic approaches are needed. We argue that money games are a practical approach to fostering political imagination and are real-life versions of economic modelling. Furthermore, the ‘open world assumption’within some games adds personal presence and mutual reflexivity to the general understanding of an economic model. We show that the use of games in workshops and real-time play allows a more realistic, integral economics to be explored.

Keywords: degrowth; economic systems; monetary systems; virtual currency; alternative movements; utopias; serious games; educational games; board games

Free keywords: games; simulacrum; economic alternatives; economic modelling; Open Learning Environment

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2024