Objective
This study examined the changes elicited in environmental practitioners by the "Persuasion Game," developed by Sugiura (2003). Whereas prior research focused on university students, we implemented the game with practitioners in Japan and assessed both the changes observed and participants' evaluations of the game, including its perceived applicability to their work.


Methods
In July 2025, twenty-three local environmental policy stakeholders took part in an in-person Persuasion Game session in Sapporo, Japan. In the Persuasion Game, participants are divided into two equal groups and, through persuading and being persuaded about ideas related to energy-saving behaviors that they themselves propose. Participants completed pre-post questionnaires to measure the difference. After the game, participants discussed how to improve the game for broader audience in 1-hour workshop.


Results & Discussion
Pre-post comparisons indicated significant increases in (a) subjective norms for energy-saving and (b) intentions to engage in conversations about energy saving. Perceived public concern for energy conservation increased as well.
On a five-point Likert scale, participants evaluated the game favorably: it was enjoyable (M = 4.18), worthwhile (M = 4.18), and deepened their understanding of energy-saving behaviors (M = 4.14); intentions to participate again were also positive (M = 3.82).
Participants identified several strengths of the game: (i) enhanced motivation to engage in energy-saving behaviors; (ii) learning gains through dialogue - having opportunities to refine their ideas; (iii) persuasive effects - feeling a commitment to act because they had themselves endorsed the behaviors; and (iv) broad applicability across contexts, including staff training and community workshops.
Three key areas for improvement were identified: (i) enhancing participants' psychological safety; (ii) establishing multiple criteria to ensure perceived fairness; and (iii) diversifying communication formats.
Results from another implementation scheduled for November 2025 will also be reported.