NESO

Our process began by understanding how NESO makes real-world decisions to balance the energy system. We researched how different energy sources interact with the grid and identified the key variables and challenges that could be translated into an accessible game experience. The learning outcomes included:

• What frequency is and how it is affected by changes in energy supply and demand.
• Energy demand changes over time.
• Different energy supply sources and their benefits.

The goal was to put players in NESO's shoes, allowing them to experience first-hand the decisions and trade-offs involved in managing the grid.

The goal was to create a fast-paced five-minute game session that would put into play the key energy concepts and learning outcomes. We created an intuitive experience where players could engage with the energy system through simple interactions, without being overwhelmed by complexity.

We used Unity to develop the game, which enabled us to bring the interactive experience, gameplay mechanics and visual identity together in a responsive and engaging digital environment.

We created a 2D isometric energy simulator built around the narrative of a first-day operator in the control room. Players monitor energy demand and make real-time decisions to keep the grid frequency balanced by purchasing energy supply throughout an eight-hour shift, while aiming to achieve the highest possible scores across environmental impact, energy efficiency and expenditure.

To support the narrative and immerse players in the experience, we developed animations using the brand's visual identity and incorporated realistic sound effects inspired by the control room.

Close-up of the animations featured in the game.

The experience was structured around the following gameplay elements:

The game was first brought to life during a launch event, where it was presented on a large screen to an audience that included business leaders and politicians. Attendees, which included the Prime Minister, were able to play the game for the first time.

Following its live launch, the game was integrated into NESO's website, extending the experience beyond the event and making it accessible to a wider audience. The game has over 15,000 saved scores accumulated over the last three years.

We also implemented security measures to protect the game and its infrastructure. Server access was restricted to authorised connections, with a firewall blocking any unnecessary traffic. We also set up regular automated backups to help keep the platform secure and recoverable. Over the three years the game has been live, it has had 99.9% uptime.

Following the successful delivery of the project, we were invited to support the National Energy System Operator's rebrand, as part of the government's acquisition of the organisation.

As part of this transition, the project was aligned with the new UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7 — Affordable and Clean Energy — and SDG 13 — Climate Action.

Our role was to translate NESO's core values and evolving brand identity into the visual language of the game. The redesign introduced elements that reflected the organisation's Net-Zero commitment, and we made it accessible to a wider audience. We reworked visual assets across the energy mix, and new grid challenges were introduced to engage players with the complexities of the energy transition.

Comparison of the branding applied to the game.

The energy transition is a national conversation, but the grid itself is a system very few people ever get to see. Balancing the Grid puts a five-minute version of that job in front of the public, so the trade-offs behind Britain's net-zero ambition — supply, demand, frequency, cost — stop being abstract and start being felt.

The work sits against UN Sustainable Development Goals 7 — Affordable and Clean Energy — and 13 — Climate Action — not by talking about them, but by giving people the system-level intuition needed to support the transition.