Play is recreational, it allows us to set aside our worries. Why then should we, as professionals and enthusiasts, care about the climate crisis?
👥
A SOCIETAL CONCERN
The gaming industry has a significant impact on the climate through manufacturing, data management, events, packaging and energy use. We can push for a positive impact (reducing energy consumption, showing potential futures, sparking discussion) and help reduce the high climate vulnerability of over 40% of the world’s population.
🤝
TO REACH MORE PEOPLE
40% of the world population are gamers, placing video games among the most popular media of our time. Thanks to their interactive nature, games can convey messages about environmental sustainability, connecting deeply with players.
👀
PLAYERS CARE
About 7 in 10 players in the United States are concerned about climate change. Players want to hear about the emergency, have a discussion, reflect on it, and learn about new ways to act. We can support them.
🌎
AN ECOLOGICAL CONCERN
By working together we can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of our industry.
Slowing global warming can save more than 14% of the living species on our planet.
👔
TALENT RISK
People are increasingly seeking work that aligns to their core values. A growing number of employees are interested in employers with strong environmental agendas – and those who can enable them to live and work where they may experience lower climate-related health risks.
✊
WE CAN ADDRESS A GAP
Culture plays a vital role in the transition to a sustainable society, and is widely recognized as a missing piece of broader climate action. Games have the opportunity to build player communities around shared experiences, fostering social support for real-world action.
The climate crisis is not a hyperbole.
- We can’t make games if our homes and offices are flooded, on fire, or aren’t built to insulate us from extreme heat.
- We can’t play, download, or stream our games if our power grids are disrupted by challenges for which they weren’t prepared.
- We can’t sell our games if players are dealing with severe weather, food shortages, and limited access to clean water.
- We won’t care about reserving the next cutting-edge game or next-gen console if we only have the energy to focus on keeping ourselves and our families safe.
Above are some key insights to get started. For the full list, see the IGDA Climate SIG website.
You are not alone
Climate change is a concern for all of us.
Below are some key insights and initiatives that other organizations have launched to face the issue.
