Understanding ecological processes requires the development of systems thinking, which is essential for grasping the interconnections, feedback, and non-linear relationships that govern ecosystems. However, conveying these abstract concepts within educational and social contexts is often challenging. In this framework, gaming (including board games, role-playing, and simulations) emerges as a powerful pedagogical tool, capable of transforming passive learners into active participants within a dynamic system. This contribution aims to highlight and systematize the role of gamification in ecological education. It emphasizes the importance of providing teachers, educators, and environmental practitioners with effective, engaging, and ready-to-use tools to foster ecological literacy and a deeper understanding of sustainability. The work presents a curated selection and critical review of educational and participatory games showcased during previous editions of the National Congress of the Italian Society of Ecology. The review demonstrates that the ludic medium allows players to internalize core ecological concepts—such as resilience, the tragedy of the commons, and ecosystem services—through direct experience and trial-and-error. This organic collection will be published in the upcoming "Quaderno di Ecologia" (Notebook of Ecology). It is designed to serve as a practical handbook and an operational guide to empower teachers and environmental educators in fostering a conscious, systems-oriented culture of sustainability.