Ah! Plastic Attack! |A Creative Collaboration on Gaming and Microplastic Awareness

Interview by Anna Jegorenkova

In an inspiring collaboration between Hanze University of Applied Sciences and the Rudolf Agricola School for Sustainable Development (University of Groningen), a team of dedicated students created Ah! Plastic Attack! — a fun game designed to raise awareness about microplastics and promote sustainable alternatives.

From Idea to Impact

The project began as part of a Hanze course where students could choose to work with real-world clients. The team — Elise Koezema, Mihai Pădureţu, Thomas Bakker, Bedirhan Akın, and Marit Bouma — was drawn to the challenge presented by the Agricola School, focusing on microplastics.

“The case study felt most interesting. We saw an opportunity to make an impact because microplastics are a topic not everyone knows enough about,” explains Mihai Pădureţu.

Over several months, the team dedicated 10–15 hours per week to the game’s development, balancing the project with their other courses. They worked closely with the Agricola School through bi-weekly feedback sessions, both online and on-site at the University of Groningen. “The communication was consistent, helpful, and transparent. That really helped shape the final product,” notes Elise Koezema.

What Is “Ah! Plastic Attack!” ?

Ah! Plastic Attack! invites players — primarily young adults aged 18–24 — to take on the role of Robin, a student whose house has been invaded by microplastic creatures called Beaties. The mission? Explore the rooms, identify microplastic sources, replace them with sustainable alternatives, and recycle contaminated items.

“We wanted a game that encourages rather than discourages players,” says Mihai Pădureţu. “The goal is to show positive actions people can take, rather than overwhelm them with negativity about the plastic problem.”

Designed for casual gamers, Ah! Plastic Attack! combines engaging gameplay with accessible educational content. The team deliberately built the game in a modular way, so that new content — like additional rooms or alternative materials — could be added easily in the future.

Educational Games with a Purpose

The students see games like Ah! Plastic Attack! as a valuable complement to traditional education. “Games won’t replace other forms of learning, but they help people engage more deeply with a topic because of the interactive element,” says Thomas Bakker.

The effectiveness of their approach was evident during the Unpacking Plastic event. Visitors eagerly scanned the game’s QR code to try it out. “It was great to see interest even beyond our target audience,” reflects Elise Koezema.

Lessons Learned & Future Plans

The project left a lasting mark on the young creators. “I’m now hyper-aware of plastic in my daily life. I think more consciously about alternatives,” says Mihai Pădureţu. “I even convinced my mom to switch to wooden cutting boards,” adds Elise Koezema.

While the team has no immediate plans to continue development, as they focus on graduation and new projects, they are open to future opportunities. The game was designed with potential expansion in mind.

Their advice for other young creators? “Be passionate, do your research, and know your audience. And do not be afraid of feedback — it helps you improve and refine your ideas!” shares Thomas Bakker.

The game is free to access on all Android devices and can be downloaded here.