Today, there are various films, books, and documentaries that address the topic of climate change, thus facilitating a better understanding of its causes and consequences. But, in addition to these media, we also have video games that not only entertain, but also raise awareness about the need to care for our planet. Below, we'll explore some of these video games that, through fun, teach us about the climate crisis and encourage positive environmental action.
Melting down
This is a free game inspired by the exploits of Basque surfer Kepa Acero. The story begins when his boat crashes into an iceberg, and you, as the player, must help him. solve puzzles to recover their sailboat. As you progress, you'll learn about the serious consequences of global warming on the North Pole. This video game is available on all mobile platforms.
climate challenge
Similarly, Climate Challenge is another free game developed by the BBC. Here, you take on the role of a fictional European president. Your mission is to design a greener economy and supportive, all while maintaining your popularity. Plus, you must persuade other countries to curb their carbon dioxide emissions. A true test of leadership and environmental commitment.
Plan it Green
Created by National Geographic, Plan it Green invites you to design an ecological cityThe goal is to manage resources responsibly, avoiding pollution and promoting the creation of sustainable jobs. It's a fun, educational experience that combines urban planning with sustainability.
Gas Attack
This free video game, developed by NASA, focuses on the fight against climate change. Your goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to avoid climate catastrophe. Through different levels, you'll learn about the importance of maintaining ecological balance.
Cap-man
Following the classic arcade style, Capman was developed by Carbon Market Watch and Pixel Impact in 2015. In this game, your mission is to devour greenhouse gases that appear on the screen. This fun, Pac-Man-style approach is completely free and helps raise awareness about our carbon footprint.
Cyclania
Ciclania is another free video game developed by Tekit. In this game, you must modify the mode of production and habits that pollute the planet. Your challenge is to take action that promotes more responsible production and consumption.
Aside from those mentioned above, there are many other video games that are contributing to the fight against climate change. Some of them are:
- Mission 1.5: A game that allows users to vote on the climate solutions they want implemented.
- Alba: A Wildlife Adventure: A video game that promotes nature conservation and tree planting.
- Earth Hero: A game that challenges players to answer questions about the environment and develop responsible habits.
- Greta The Game: Centered on the figure of Greta Thunberg, it helps players reflect on sustainability.
Influence of Video Games on Climate Awareness
Video games have proven to be effective tools for environmental education. During use, players interact with ecological concepts and learn about the impact of their actions on the environment. Through green game jams and collaborations between developers and entities involved in the fight against climate change, a space for innovation is being created that allows lessons about sustainability to be integrated into games.
These video games go beyond mere entertainment; they are designed to educate and raise awareness. For example, during the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit, Playing for the Planet, an initiative that brought together major names in the video game industry, such as Microsoft and Sony, to work on two main fronts: reducing the industry's carbon footprint and using their influence to integrate climate action messaging.
The Games for the Planet Alliance has conducted significant surveys among gamers, finding that a high percentage of them want to see more ecological messages in video games. This represents a huge opportunity not only for the entertainment sector, but also for education and raising awareness about the climate crisis.
Video Games as a Tool for Social Change
A crucial aspect is the ability of video games to change behaviors and encourage pro-environmental actions. Developers are increasingly committed to creating gaming experiences that are not only entertaining, but also promote environmental protection. ecological responsibility. The ability to vote on climate policies in games like Mission 1.5 allows players to feel like an active part in the process of change, encouraging audiences to participate in the fight against climate change.
The impact of video games on the collective consciousness is undeniable. With more than three billion players Worldwide, the potential for education and positive behavior change is enormous. The video game industry faces a great responsibility, one that can transform the way people think and act in relation to the environment.
Challenges and Opportunities for the Video Game Industry
As video games continue to evolve, the industry faces various challenges, such as the need for reduce your carbon footprint and address indirect emissions generated by players. This can be done by optimizing games to reduce their size and energy requirements.
However, despite these challenges, there are multiple opportunities to integrate sustainability into video game development. Creating games that promote ecosystem rehabilitation or raising awareness about recycling are just a few examples of how developers can contribute to a more sustainable future. The possibilities are virtually endless, and developers' creativity can make a huge difference.
The gaming community can also play an active role in this transformation. By choosing to play titles that promote sustainability and climate awareness, players can support developers committed to the environment and, at the same time, contribute to the spread of these positive messages.
The convergence between entertainment and environmental awareness is more present than ever, and the role of video games in this fight is crucial. The video game industry's involvement in the fight against climate change has the potential to be the catalyst for a series of positive changes in the perception and actions of society as a whole. With the active participation of developers, players, and organizations, a more sustainable future can be built, where video games are not only a form of entertainment but also a means of inspiring and educating about environmental conservation.
