What if you could save endangered species, reforest or restore habitats whilst playing? Some video game developers have already explored this possibility. Games with eco-friendly campaigns have made it possible for us, the players, to contribute to conservation and reforestation efforts.
We’ve taken a look at some of the games that have taken action and partnered with NGOs to help protect nature and the animal kingdom. These are games that have involved us and allowed us to help whilst we play.
Eco-Friendly Games To Protect and Save Animals
Some initiatives aim to rescue animals or conserve endangered species. As a player, you can get involved in these initiatives by supporting them through the purchase of DLCs or cosmetic items promoted by the video game.
Children of Morta (Paws and Claws DLC)
Children of Morta is a story-driven action role-playing game with rogelite elements developed by Dead Mage and published by 11 bit Studios. In this game, players control the members of the Bergson family. Each character has unique combat abilities, as they combat the mysterious corruption spreading across the world. The Paw and claws DLC expands the game and introduces an animal shelter at the Bergson Family’s home. Players can rescue foxes, birds, deer, while also unlocking gameplay bonuses.
The 100% of the proceeds received by the developer and publisher from the sales of the DLC were donated to Humane World for Animals. This international organisation is dedicated to protecting animals through rescue operations, wildfire conservation, disaster response, and campaigns against animal cruelty.
Since its release, the DLC has raised more than $460,000 to support animal welfare initiatives. This makes it one of the few PC and console game expansions with a direct and verifiable contribution to animal protection.
MINECRAFT
In 2018 Minecraft added the buzzy bees update, which added several new features to the famous sandbox game. In addition it also was a collaboration with WWF to educate the gamer community about the importance of bees to the real world. Bees are an essential part of healthy ecosystems and essential to produce food around the world. The campaign challenged players to plant bamboo blocks in-game and build panda habitats. Once players planted 10 million bamboo blocks, Minercraft donated $100,000 towards WWF’ global conservation work.
“We partnered with the WWF and donated $100,000 to support their amazing conservation work to raise awareness about bees and why they are so important for our world.”一 Bees, Minecraft, and the WWF
For years, Minecraft has been characterised as a space that adapts to its users, fostering freedom of expression, providing safe spaces for communities and supporting social initiatives. The partnership with WWF is yet another step that reinforces Minecraft’s role as a space for everyone, with a real impact on society and the world.
Creatures of Ava
Creatures of Ava is an adventure game set in the planet of Ava. In this story, players take the role of Vic, a young explorer with the mission to understand, help, and protect them from a mysterious infection threatening the planet’s ecosystems. To complete the game’s environmental message 11bit studio released the WDC Charity Back Pack Trinkets Set DLC. A decorative and cosmetic pack that supports a real-world cause.
The 11 bit studio donated 81% of the profits made from every DLC sale to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC). This UK-based, nonprofit is dedicated to protecting whales, dolphins, and the conservation of marine habitats.
Eco-Friendly Games Against Deforestation
Other developers and publishers have joined a reforestation campaign alongside organisations that plant trees in different parts of the world. It is an initiative that, so to speak, rewards players for purchasing the video game, or a cosmetic item or DLC, by planting a tree.
Treeplanter
Treeplanter is a simulation game inspired by real-world reforestation work. You take the role of a tree planter, traveling through natural landscapes to plant seedlings and restore damaged environments. Beyond the in-game mechanics, Treeplanter also has a direct real-world impact through its partnership with One Tree Planted. This organisation is a NGO dedicated to global reforestation.
As a result, purchasing the game contributes to real reforestation efforts in regions affected by deforestation, helping restore habitats, improve biodiversity, and combat climate change. As the developer donates a portion of the proceeds from the game to support the NGO’s tree-planting initiative.
Alba: A Wildlife Adventure
Alba: A Wildlife Adventure is a wholesome adventure in which players control Alba, a young girl visiting her grandparents on a Mediterranean Island. During that visit, she discovers that the island’s wildlife and natural habitats are under threat. You’ll explore the island, photograph animals, clean up litter, rescue wildlife and establish a protected natural reserve.
Outside of its digital world, Alba: a wildlife Adventure also had a measurable real-world environmental impact. Because, to celebrate the game’s launch, the developer (ustwo games) partnered with the reforestation organisation Ecologi.
The organisation planted one tree for every copy of the game sold or downloaded during the campaign. The initiative resulted in the planting of more than one million trees, helping restore forests and habitats in multiple countries.
Playing For A Better Planet: Eco-Friendly Video Games
Video games are more than entertainment, is a statement we’ve repeatedly defended. Eco-friendly video game campaigns prove exactly that. It can inspire meaningful environmental action. Encourage players to reduce waste, support conservation efforts, or learn about climate challenges in their area. As more developers embrace sustainable campaigns and environmental actions, gamers have even more opportunities to contribute to positive change while enjoying their favourite titles.
Join us and discover many other games with active environmental campaigns. Find other gamers and share your experiences and opinions.
Game on!🍀🦌
