This paper documents how academic theory can be used to inform mobile game design for social impact. Green Turtle Hero is a mobile game aimed at teaching Vietnamese youth an anti-littering message. Relevant academic theory is being applied throughout the process of conceptualisation, design, testing, launching and evaluation. This social marketing initiative is designed to create a real world social impact while also informing future research. The success of the game combined with the resultant research outputs will be utilised to apply for funding towards future developments to create a self-sustaining loop of research with social impact.