Fighting wildfires in Riders Republic – the Green Game Jam ’22 had some great ideas

Earlier this year, a unique initiative took place, where a game developer pledged to plant trees in the real world for every player who earned a specific trophy in their game. This initiative was part of the Green Game Jam, a relatively new campaign aimed at leveraging the gaming industry to address environmental challenges.

The Green Game Jam is organized by the Playing for the Planet Alliance, which was established in 2019 through collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The goal is to unite the gaming industry to combat climate change. This involves both improving business operations to be more eco-friendly and utilizing the immense reach of video games to promote positive environmental actions. The concept of “green activations” has emerged from this initiative, where game developers incorporate temporary or permanent environmental themes into their games.

In one notable green activation, a popular mobile game committed to planting a tree for every five kilometers walked by players during a special event. The initiative capped at a total of 600,000 trees, showcasing the significant impact that such activations can have.

Horizon Forbidden West – Play and Plant Program | PS5, PS4

Other initiatives showcased creativity and a desire to actively engage players in environmental issues. For example, a game centered around pirating incorporated a storyline focused on combating the shark fin trade. This post-launch content aimed to educate players on the importance of shark conservation through engaging gameplay experiences.

This year’s Green Game Jam also invited media judges for the first time, allowing for a broader perspective on the various initiatives presented. The overarching theme revolved around food and forests, highlighting the interconnectedness of these vital elements in our ecosystem.

“I helped judge the Green Game Jam this year”

One standout winner was a biking game, which introduced an activation focused on the growing issue of wildfires. When this event goes live, players will encounter in-game wildfires threatening a national park. They will need to navigate through the affected areas while learning about wildfire prevention and safety measures.

This unique activation sets itself apart by combining gameplay with valuable real-world knowledge, as players will receive information on wildfire management while actively engaging in the game. The partnership with an environmental organization further emphasizes the commitment to real-world impact.

The judging process revealed several other impressive concepts. One game tied its competitive tournament to environmental awareness, incorporating educational content into live streams. This approach maintained a focus on the climate crisis while engaging a dedicated audience.

Another noteworthy idea came from a mobile farming game that aimed to educate players on the principles of regenerative farming and the benefits of consuming locally grown produce. This initiative included an in-game cookbook and various activities to promote awareness of sustainable practices.

The Green Game Jam has garnered participation from a wide range of developers, with many notable entries making an impact. The initiatives showcased a collective commitment to making a difference through gaming. The involvement of multiple studios, especially one major company that had numerous teams participate, brought attention to the potential of the gaming industry to affect real change.

As the Green Game Jam continues to grow, the potential for even larger-scale initiatives increases. The reach of popular games means that more people can engage with sustainability messages, potentially leading to significant donations for environmental charities and the planting of millions of trees in the coming years. The future looks promising, and the anticipation for next year’s entries is already building.

• UNEP Choice: Supercell’s Hay Day
• Media’s Choice: Ubisoft Annecy’s Rider’s Republic
• First to Implement: Tencent’s Carbon Island
• Best in Forests: Serious Brother’s Imagine Earth
• Best in Food: Supercell’s Hay Day
• Player’s Choice: Wooga’s June’s Journey
• Participant Choice: Tilting Point’s Terragenesis
• Most Adoptable: Ubisoft Blue Mammoth’s Brawlhalla