French publisher Ubisoft says that it reckons video games can help raise awareness of climate change.
That's according to the company's director of Corporate Environmental Sustainability who – speaking to GI.biz – said that it has a "responsibility" to make its players more aware of the impact of industry on the environment.
So far, this has included content in Brawlhalla, Rocksmith+, Hungry Shark World and Trackmania, which have told users about the damage on ocean life and how the making of wooden instruments impacts the environment.
“Engaging our communities in the fight against climate change is a core pillar of our Play Green strategy, in addition to reducing our carbon footprint and helping our industry move forward,” Hunsinger said.
“And this is a mission that really motivates our teams. We are very proud to have had 14 teams participate in the 2022 Green Game Jam. They took inspiration from this year’s theme, ‘Food, Forests and our Future’ to create activations that would resonate with the unique DNA of each game and its players.”
He continued: “As a leader in our industry, we have the power and the responsibility to act on climate change -- but we know that only through collective action can we truly have an impact. Through our games, we reach millions of people around the world every day, which gives us the perfect opportunity to raise awareness about climate issues and mobilize our players to act. Our goal is to help our industry become a catalyst for change by simultaneously decarbonizing our operations and inspiring players to join us and become climate advocates in their own communities.”
Ubisoft has previously tied its exec bonuses to climate goals.
Disclaimer: Alex Calvin is a freelance writer and journalist who worked with Ubisoft on The Making of Assassin's Creed: 15th Anniversary Edition