Environmental models are valuable tools, yet, communication about model procedures and results between modelers and non-modelers is complicated by different levels of understanding. Game design may help to bridge this gap through learning by playing. Here we present the “EscapeBLOOM”, a digital “Escape Room” in which teams aim to save a lake from a harmful algal bloom while learning about lake models. The game consists of multiple puzzles reflecting the process and choices made by professional modelers in a specific lake management case. We show that the EscapeBLOOM has been positively received in multiple countries and cultures, and significantly contributed to perceived learning on lake modeling and nutrient management by non-modelers. Finally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities of our serious game to introduce models and related concepts. We envision that our serious game approach can inspire others to create their own “Escape-game” to aid the communication of environmental modeling cases.

环境模型是有价值的工具，然而，建模者和非建模者之间关于模型程序和结果的交流由于理解水平的不同而变得复杂。游戏设计可能有助于通过边玩边学来弥合这一差距。在这里，我们展示了“EscapeBLOOM”，这是一个数字“逃生室”，团队的目标是在了解湖泊模型的同时，拯救湖泊免受有害藻华的侵害。该游戏由多个谜题组成，反映了专业建模师在特定湖泊管理案例中做出的过程和选择。我们表明，EscapeBLOOM 在多个国家和文化中受到了积极的欢迎，并为非建模者对湖泊建模和养分管理的感知学习做出了重大贡献。最后，我们讨论我们严肃游戏的挑战和机遇，以介绍模型和相关概念。我们设想，我们严肃的游戏方法可以激励其他人创建自己的“逃脱游戏”，以帮助环境建模案例的交流。