Squaring such big circles might not sound like a fun way to spend a Saturday. But when Terra Nil — a city-building strategy game from Cape Town-based Free Lives — hit the market last year, players from all over the globe signed up to give it a go. Within a week of the game’s debut, more than 300,000 people played it.
That success is music to the ears of gamers, policymakers, and researchers who say that video games have the potential to boost climate messaging. In 2019, the United Nations even formed an alliance with dozens of gaming companies across the $200 billion industry. One of its initiatives, an annual campaign known as the Green Game Jam, challenges studios to incorporate environmental themes into their most popular titles. Last year, for example, nature conservation was thematically implemented into 41 games, including Angry Birds, Asphalt, and Pac-man.
There’s some research to back up the idea that these efforts will bear fruit. In 2022, researchers at Yale University surveyed more than 2,000 gamers in the US on their opinions about climate change. Roughly one in five said they watched or heard about climate change via gameplay or streaming, and one in eight said they took action in real life based on what they’d learned.
The $200 billion video game industry has emerged as a unique climate opportunity, drawing attention from gamers, policymakers, and researchers. The United Nations formed an alliance with gaming companies in 2019, aiming to promote environmental themes through popular video games. This initiative, exemplified by the Green Game Jam, challenges studios to incorporate nature conservation into their titles. Last year, 41 games, including popular titles such as Angry Birds and Pac-man, emphasized environmental awareness.
A recent survey conducted by Yale University in 2022 further supports the idea that video games can positively influence players’ opinions on climate change. Out of over 2,000 gamers surveyed in the United States, approximately 20% reported learning about climate change through gameplay or streaming, with one in eight claiming to have taken real-life actions based on their virtual experiences.
The potential impact of video games on climate change awareness is evident, with players actively engaging with environmental themes while enjoying their favorite pastime. The immersive nature of gaming provides a unique platform for conveying critical messages, creating an opportunity to influence the behavior and attitudes of millions worldwide. As the industry continues to grow and innovate, the integration of ecological narratives into popular titles inspires hope for a greener future.
However, it is important to note that while video games can be powerful tools for raising awareness, they should not be seen as a substitute for direct action. Gamers and policymakers alike must recognize the limitations of virtual engagement and actively pursue real-world efforts to combat climate change.
The success of Terra Nil, a city-building strategy game developed by Free Lives in Cape Town, demonstrates the widespread appeal of environmentally themed games. With over 300,000 players in its first week alone, the game proves that gaming can provide an avenue for spreading climate-centric messages to a global audience.
The collaboration between the United Nations and the gaming industry highlights the potential impact of video games on climate consciousness. By incorporating environmental themes into popular titles through initiatives like the Green Game Jam, studios can tap into players’ interests while simultaneously fostering awareness and understanding of critical ecological issues.
The Yale University survey results further underline the power of gaming in driving real-world action. The fact that a significant portion of gamers reported taking tangible steps in response to climate change information encountered through gameplay or streaming is a testament to the potential influence of video games as tools for education and engagement.
While the $200 billion video game industry presents a promising climate opportunity, it is essential to consider the importance of continued research and development in this area. By ensuring that gaming experiences effectively convey accurate climate information and inspire meaningful action, the industry can contribute significantly to the global fight against climate change.
As the world faces ever-increasing environmental challenges, the video game industry stands at a unique crossroads. By harnessing its immense popularity and engaging storytelling capabilities, the industry can leverage its influence to shape public opinion and drive positive change on an unprecedented scale. As gamers and developers alike continue to embrace environmental narratives in their virtual experiences, the $200 billion video game industry may prove to be a vital ally in the urgent quest for a sustainable future.
