Gaming has become more than a source of entertainment; it is now a global cultural phenomenon with unparalleled reach and influence. The staggering number of 3.2 billion gamers worldwide represents a massive audience that could significantly impact public understanding of climate issues. Recognizing this potential, initiatives like the Green Game Jam are leading the way by engaging major game developers to integrate eco-friendly content into their games.
PUBG MOBILE’s ‘Play for Green’ campaign, backed by the United Nations, exemplifies how games can educate and inspire players to take action on climate issues through immersive gameplay. With millions of players participating, this campaign underscores how the gaming industry can merge entertainment with education to foster environmental consciousness.
The growing role of gamers in climate awareness
Gamers are increasingly aware of climate change, and their concerns are shaping the industry. PUBG MOBILE’s ‘Play for Green’ campaign exemplifies this shift. Vincent Wang, Head of PUBG MOBILE Publishing at Tencent Games, highlighted that 88% of their players expressed concerns about climate change in a survey, reinforcing the importance of aligning content with their audience’s values.
Through collaborations with climate scientists like Professor Mark Maslin, PUBG MOBILE integrates scientifically grounded climate narratives into its gameplay. For example, the Ruins of Erangel map series uses real-life environmental data to depict the impacts of rising sea levels, heatwaves, and droughts. This approach not only enhances the game’s realism but also educates players about the real-world consequences of climate inaction.
As Maslin noted, “Communicating through gaming allows us to reach a massive audience and convey climate challenges in a way that resonates.” Digital storytelling in games has the unique power to engage players emotionally, making them more likely to take these lessons into their daily lives.
How climate activism is entering the game space
Game developers are incorporating eco-themes into their games in innovative ways. For instance, PUBG MOBILE’s ‘Play for Green’ initiative includes challenges that highlight the consequences of environmental neglect. Players can engage with features like the Preservation Garden, where they interact with endangered flora, reinforcing the importance of biodiversity conservation.
Professor Maslin’s work with PUBG MOBILE exemplifies the integration of scientific accuracy into game development. By collaborating with developers to visualize climate impacts—from desiccated vegetation to flooded environments—he ensures that the gameplay reflects real-world ecological changes. Maslin emphasized, “We take the science and translate it into the gaming medium, offering players a thoughtful yet entertaining experience”.
Beyond PUBG MOBILE, other gaming communities are also making strides. Climate Replay, a group of environmentally conscious gamers, is fostering global conversations on sustainability. The organization encourages developers to integrate eco-friendly features into games and promotes collaboration between players and developers to address pressing environmental issues. Similarly, initiatives like Minecraft’s Heat Dragon Quest engage players in eco-focused challenges, demonstrating how games can be both educational and entertaining.
How gamers can drive real-world change
Gaming’s influence extends beyond the virtual world. Campaigns like ‘Play for Green’ have spurred real-world environmental actions, such as tree-planting initiatives and fundraisers for climate causes. According to Vincent Wang, “Blending entertainment with education allows us to drive positive behavior change both in-game and in the real world”.
Gamers themselves are emerging as climate advocates. Community-driven platforms like Climate Replay and partnerships with organizations like the Play2Learn Foundation are fostering discussions and actions that bridge gaming and environmental activism. These platforms leverage the global nature of the gaming community, connecting players across different cultures and regions in collective action.
Professor Maslin also highlighted the power of shared anxiety about climate change to motivate collective action. He noted that gaming communities—unbound by national, cultural, or religious divides—offer a unique space for fostering global dialogues on pressing issues.
Wang emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency with the gaming community, stating, “By taking meaningful steps toward sustainability, we aim to lead the industry in demonstrating how gaming can contribute to a more sustainable future.” As the industry continues to evolve, the challenge will be to balance entertainment with education and accountability. The gaming community’s growing engagement with climate change demonstrates its potential as a powerful tool for global awareness and action.
This article is also published on Forbes. illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability & Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.
