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Sustainability is a word that is on everyone’s lips at the moment. As the impact of the human race becomes clearer, the need to fight back and reverse the issues that are occurring is more critical. Several industries are attempting to change attitudes, from vegan and vegetarian eateries to green-fingered clothing brands like Patagonia.
However, a sector that creeps under the radar is gaming. Although gaming appears as if it’s purely recreational, the reality is that the format can facilitate change. Here’s how the industry is using its platform to promote a global eco-friendly culture.
Taking on Contentious Topics
Whereas lots of businesses aim to steer away from anything that could be interpreted the wrong way, gaming companies are happy to provide a fun and lighthearted take on subjects that impact their users. Green conscientiousness video games such as The Sims 4: Eco Lifestyle is a prime example because they promote green lifestyles and teach users what they need to do to hit specific targets.
Developers also center the gameplay around subjects that aren’t at the forefront of the public’s opinion, yet that affect the world just as intensely as any other topic. Fishing is the best case study as striking a balance between using the oceans’ resources and not exploiting them is vital. As a result, titles like ecoOcean, a simulation game that investigates the socio-economic effects of fishing, are increasing in popularity.
The same is true of online casino libraries, where several top releases are based on sea life. Ruby Pearl, for instance, lets you swim with majestic orcas, encouraging you to take their health and wellbeing seriously when you see news that relates to them on TV or the internet. The Fishin Frenzy slot does a similar thing by using the adrenaline-fueled environment of the oceans to ensure the gameplay is fun and bold. Of course, because players are angling for prizes and rewards instead of fish, there are zero consequences of hooking and reeling in a big one, and communities like Buzz Bingo are built around games like this. After all, there’s no reason to throw back the winnings you’ve earned!
Utilising the Community
Part of what makes the gaming world special is the community element. It’s like a fraternity where like-minded people get together to enjoy the social aspect of taking on the open-world and multiplayer modes offered by developers. With an estimated 2.5 billion gamers globally, the power of the platform is unrivaled.
Again, many companies steer clear of the fan bases they house because they don’t want to answer difficult questions. Thankfully, gaming brands understand the need to reach out and help the less fortunate when the situation demands it, such as Space Ape in 2019. When Australia was dealing with bush fires, the title’s community asked developers what they could do to lend a hand, and the developers responded by integrating in-game purchases into more of the game’s platforms.
All the money raised went to charities working in the area, with the drive earning $120,000 in less than one week. Not only do people want to do good, but they are entitled and encouraged to do so because studios are aware of their responsibilities.
The industry can promote sustainability, as highlighted by the fact that gaming takes on big topics and promotes the positive aspects of them, and leverages its communities to affect change. Hopefully, this carries on for the foreseeable future.Â
Featured image credit: Unsplash