Playconomics
The economics video game where you run your own economy. Free for Year 9-12. Do well, earn prizes and real UNSW credit.
University of Southern California
Every once in a while, something comes along that is so good and so out of the box that it makes you sit up, pay attention, and just smile. Playconomics is one of those rare and precious occasions. In my 30 years in higher education, this is the most exciting innovation in pedagogy I have seen.
Plan, learn and get ahead
Complete the eligible program requirements and get a head start on university with credit towards a UNSW course.
Build valuable economic and financial literacy skills at no cost to you or your school.
Explore economics by making decisions, solving challenges and seeing the consequences play out in an interactive virtual world.
How it works
Students and staff at participating high schools receive free access. Students create a Playconomics account using their teacher’s STEP UP class ID and an email address to save their progress within the STEP UP program.
Explore economic decision-making through an immersive video game, short interactive activities and real-time feedback. The program is self-paced, takes around 30 minutes a week and can be completed in or out of class.
Complete Playconomics during STEP UP tournaments and your progress could count for up to 45% of your grade in ECON1101 Microeconomics if you later study the course at UNSW, without repeating the Playconomics assessments.
- For students
- For teachers
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It combines research, gameplay and real-time data to improve both engagement and learning outcomes.
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Build real-world economic and financial decision-making skills through interactive gameplay. Manage resources, navigate markets and think like an economist — developing confidence, problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of how economies work in practice.
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Allow around 30 minutes each week during a tournament. Several tournaments run throughout the year, each lasting around 6–8 weeks. Playconomics is self-paced, so you can spend more time playing and exploring if you choose.
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The program is open to high school students across different year levels and subject areas. Participation is voluntary and no previous economics experience is required.
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Your teacher will give you a STEP UP class ID. Use it with your email address to create a free account at Playconomics, then sign in and begin learning at your own pace.
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STEP UP is an interactive program where you learn economics and financial decision-making by playing a game and completing short online activities.
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No - the program is designed for beginners and advanced students alike.
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You can complete quizzes and activities, and high performers may earn UNSW Advanced Placement credit and program certificates.
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Yes - there are live leaderboards, prizes and national competitions.
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Yes, like an online class with most learning happening through gameplay and interactive challenges.
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No - the focus is on decision-making and understanding, not advanced maths.
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The program is developed by UNSW, delivered by LionsHeart Studios on behalf of the UNSW School of Economics, generously supported by the Manos Foundation and partnering with schools and government.
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It combines research, gameplay and real-time data to improve both engagement and learning outcomes.
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Playconomics teaches the Principles of Economics through content aligned with high school syllabus outcomes. The platform includes complete learning materials, an eBook and game manual, quizzes, quests, educational videos, detailed feedback and real-time progress tracking.
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Playconomics is free for participating high schools, students and staff. It’s designed to minimise the impact on school resources and can be used in or out of class, with or without direct assistance from teaching staff.
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Recommended student participation is approximately 30 minutes a week during a tournament, with the flexibility to spend longer. Several tournaments run throughout the year, each lasting around 6–8 weeks. The self-paced format makes it easier to fit the program around existing classes.
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Schools can enrol in the STEP UP program by signing up on the Playconomics website and teachers receive a class ID for students to use when registering. Students create their own accounts, with randomly generated display names and student numbers protecting their identity on leaderboards.
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LionsHeart Studios manages the online content and delivery of the program on behalf of the UNSW School of Economics. Teachers receive all the learning resources needed to support delivery, with student progress tracking available through the platform. For help, contact step-up@unsw.edu.au
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Very little - the program is ready to use with minimal or no preparation.
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STEP UP aligns with Commerce and Economics curricula and can be used in class or independently at home. For an extensive map to high school topics, see the guides available on the Playconomics website.
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Yes - many schools use it as a co-curricular or extension activity.
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Schools register and receive secure access codes for their students.
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No - the program is free for schools and students.
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Teachers can access engagement and performance data to monitor student learning.
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Yes - the platform allows teachers to identify students who may need support early and helps target intervention.
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Yes - top students can earn recognition, prizes and university credit.
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The STEP UP team provides onboarding, guidance and full ongoing support.
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The program is developed by UNSW, delivered by LionsHeart Studios on behalf of the UNSW School of Economics, generously supported by the Manos Foundation and partnering with schools and government.
Ready to play?
Ready to join students from more than 200 high schools already taking part? STEP UP is helping turn UNSW’s vision of Progress for All into real opportunities: participants are 11% more likely to consider university, while UNSW enrolment growth from STEP UP schools has been 126% higher than from similar non-participating schools.
Awards
2025
2022
2017
2016
Get involved with STEP UP
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