Digital Game Based Learning (DGBL) utilizes enjoyable digital game’s features to engage users and enhance the learning process. DGBLs are used to convey many complex concepts; environmental sustainability and climate change are among them. From a literature review, we noticed that DGBL are often built on game design frameworks, but they improve their efficacy when also learning theories are considered. One of the most accredited theories in this field is the Self-Determination Theory and its stress on players’ needs of autonomy, competence and relatedness. The present work describes a novel DGBL tool, named “Play it Cool”, and discusses the process that led to its design and development as an example of how game design frameworks and learning theories can be combined. Developed by an interdisciplinary team (psychologists, educators, computer scientists, expert of the content), in this paper we will illustrate how the game mechanics embedded into Play it Cool are structured to enhance their effectiveness. In conclusion, suggestions and critical reflections will be offered to design and implement educationally grounded DBGL.