Business students level up with real-world ethics in The Foodbank Game

Business students level up with real-world ethics in The Foodbank Game

Bachelor of Commerce students are embarking on an innovative learning journey with The Foodbank Game, an interactive, gamified app designed to foster ethical leadership by plunging students into the real-world challenges faced by Australia’s largest food relief charity.

Featuring as part of International Games Week’s Games for Change, the ten-level game is anything but routine. Players must deftly collect funding and healthy food donations while boosting Foodbank Victoria’s brand visibility. Every level presents challenging ethical dilemmas, inviting classroom debate and creative problem-solving far beyond simple yes/no choices.  

Developed in collaboration with Foodbank Victoria and BlueRoom, the game faithfully recreates the complexities of providing food relief, such as ensuring food safety, managing distribution costs, and enhancing stakeholder engagement. 

Project lead, Professor Gillian Vesty, Deputy Dean of Learning and Teaching at RMIT’s College of Business and Law, said the game provided Bachelor of Commerce students with a unique, hands-on opportunity to grapple with ethical questions, and that gamification was the key to engagement.

"What sets The Foodbank Game apart is its engaging design and real-world problem solving. It’s about making difficult decisions when resources are limited.

"Serious games need to challenge and create those ‘aha moments’, building critical thinking and discussion. Unlike traditional assessments, these games immerse learners in wicked problems, demanding innovative solutions."

Prof Gillian Vesty presents The Foodbank Game app at ACMI for Games for Change 2025

The partnership has benefited all involved. Foodbank Victoria hopes the game will promote their mission, attract future volunteers, and encourage responsible leadership among tomorrow’s non-profit leaders. 

"The Foodbank Game invites players into the real-world challenges we face every day - connecting donated food with those who need it most.  

"It’s a thoughtful, hands-on way to explore the complexities of food relief, encouraging empathy, creativity, and a deep commitment to making a difference for every Victorian who needs support from Foodbank," said Katie Fisher, Acting CEO, Foodbank Victoria.

The Foodbank Game will eventually support Foodbank Victoria’s own training and programs, creating a lasting resource for stakeholders including charity partners and schools. As students ride trams and tackle each scenario, they’re not just gaming, they’re forging the skills, empathy and insight crucial to leading impactful organisations.

Games for Change

RMIT also showcased LoFi Games at Games for Change and Technically Games as part of Melbourne International Games Week. This is an initiative co-led by Jairus Bowne and Pete Fernandes that champions a cost-effective, context-based approach to gamification, creatively leveraging existing tools like Excel and other readily available EdTech to design powerful educational experiences.  

The team presented two flagship games used as assessments: EcoVest, a sustainable stock market game developed with Dr. Nirav Parikh that teaches students about impact investing and Chain Reaction, a strategic procurement simulation developed with Professor Paul Childerhouse and Dr. Tram Nguyen in collaboration with industry partner Boeing.

students use lo fi game on laptop

"Our approach is all about building low-barrier, content-driven games with a strong emphasis on real-world learning," said Pete Fernandes, Senior Learning Designer.

"We collaborate with academics and industry partners to amplify our Industry Partnered Learning approach, aiming to significantly boost student engagement and improve course learning outcomes." 

LoFi Games aim to experiment with secured assessment approaches and exemplifies how accessible technology and thoughtful design can create highly impactful, real-world learning experiences.

23 October 2025

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23 October 2025

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