An exciting new project is set to transform public spaces across Europe, turning them into dynamic, activity-friendly environments. The Move Game, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Sport 2024 Programme, officially launched with a kick-off meeting in Nice that brought together partners from six European countries. This initiative will use placemaking and co-design to create sustainable, engaging, and inclusive spaces that encourage Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (HEPA).

What is The Move Game?

Originally launched in 2017 by Azur Sport Santé (A2S), The Move Game is an interactive, life-sized board game where participants become the game pieces. Players roll the dice, complete physical activity challenges, and learn about the benefits of an active lifestyle—all while moving and engaging with their surroundings. A digital component reinforces key messages about movement and health, making it an innovative and educational experience.
This game isn’t just for children—The Move Game is designed for people of all ages and abilities. It offers various difficulty levels (beginner, intermediate, expert) to ensure inclusivity, making physical activity accessible to different age groups and fitness levels.

From pilot to a European rollout

The concept of The Move Game was successfully tested in the Placemaking and Sport project, demonstrating the potential of creative urban design to promote active lifestyles. Pilots were implemented in Copenhagen, Cottonera, Matera, Valencia, and Nice, where placemaking interventions transformed public spaces into engaging activity hubs.

One of the standout examples was in Nice, where A2S partnered with the city to paint a giant MOVE Game (Jeu Bouge at the time) in a neglected public square. This intervention turned an underutilised space into a vibrant, interactive area, inviting people to move, play, and connect.

Running from January 2025 to December 2026, The Move Game will build on these successes and expand its impact through a strategic, Europe-wide rollout. The project aims to:

✅ Adapt the Move Game to each partner country's local context to promote physical activity effectively.
✅ Engage communities through co-design and placemaking to create ownership and long-term sustainability.
✅ Deploy two painted Move Games in each participating country, with at least one in a priority neighbourhood.
✅ Enhance inclusivity, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities and older adults.
✅ Promote the Move Game’s innovative and sustainable potential, inspiring other cities to embrace active design in public spaces.

Partners and the road ahead

With support from European funding, the project will be implemented in Bulgaria (BG Be Active), Malta (MOVE Malta), Greece (STIPO Greece), Serbia (Asocijacija Sport za sve Srbije), and France (Azur Sport Santé). Each partner will tailor The Move Game to its urban landscape, ensuring it aligns with local needs and cultural contexts.

By using placemaking tools and community-driven design, The MOVE Game will promote movement, well-being, and social connection - one game at a time.

MOVE Game Project is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.