Gamers’ Secret Influence: How a New UN Initiative Could Change Global Climate Policies

Published: October 10, 2024

Gamers' Secret Influence: How a New UN Initiative Could Change Global Climate Policies

Lucie
Editor

PlanetPlay and UNDP Unite for a Greener Gaming Future

PlanetPlay, a leading non-profit in green gaming, collaborates with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to launch Play2Act. This initiative is designed to harness the power of gaming communities to address global climate challenges. By embedding polls in popular games, it seeks to gather player insights on environmental issues.

The project employs the Games Realizing Effective and Affective Transformation (GREAT) framework. Supported by European Union funding, GREAT aims to explore how games can influence public attitudes on critical policy matters. This initiative represents a major step forward in using gaming for social good.

With initial rollout planned for late 2024, Play2Act will launch a second phase in mid-2025. This two-year project will continuously update its surveys every six months, ensuring the data remains current and relevant to ongoing climate discussions. Such regular updates are crucial for tracking shifting public opinions.

Jude Ower, a key strategist at PlanetPlay, emphasizes the transformative potential of gaming data. By aggregating responses, the initiative aims to influence climate policy at the UN level. This represents a unique opportunity to align gaming culture with environmental advocacy.

Engaging Gamers on a Global Scale

Play2Act’s ambition is to reach a vast audience by integrating surveys into numerous games. This approach allows for the collection of diverse perspectives on how gaming can contribute to climate solutions. The insights collected will be invaluable for shaping future policies and initiatives.

The survey covers topics such as players’ attitudes towards climate action in gaming, their willingness to engage with these themes, and potential actions they might take. The poll comprises seven questions, providing a comprehensive overview of player sentiments.

Key features of the Play2Act initiative include:

  • Offering the survey in 10 languages, ensuring broad accessibility.
  • Incorporating the poll in popular games like Subway Surfers.
  • Partnering with major game studios to maximize reach and impact.

By capturing the voices of gamers worldwide, Play2Act aims to create a robust foundation for gaming as a tool for environmental advocacy. The initiative’s success depends on the enthusiastic participation of the gaming community.

The Power of Gaming in Climate Advocacy

Play2Act represents a groundbreaking collaboration between PlanetPlay and UNDP. By leveraging the massive reach of video games, the initiative aims to mobilize collective action against climate change. The gaming industry is poised to become a powerful ally in global environmental efforts.

Major industry players like Xbox and Niantic are already on board, demonstrating the initiative’s potential to drive meaningful change. Their involvement highlights the growing recognition of gaming’s role in addressing critical global issues.

Supported by academic institutions, the GREAT project will analyze the survey data to inform future climate policies. This collaboration ensures the initiative is grounded in scientific rigor, making it a credible force in the fight against climate change.

With engagement rates already surpassing 50%, Play2Act is well on its way to achieving its goal of reaching over 100 million people. This level of participation underscores the gaming community’s desire to make a positive impact on the world.

Revolutionizing Climate Action Through Gaming

The gaming industry’s influence is undeniable, with a projected global audience of 3.3 billion by 2024. Play2Act seeks to harness this power to effect real change in climate policy. By engaging gamers, the initiative aims to transform gaming into a catalyst for environmental action.

PlanetPlay CEO Rhea Loucas emphasizes the strategic importance of engaging the gaming community. Video games have become one of the most influential cultural forces, and this initiative leverages their reach to drive positive environmental change.

UNDP’s Jennifer Baumwoll highlights the unique opportunity to use gaming as a platform for climate action. By giving players a voice, Play2Act empowers them to contribute to global solutions, transforming gaming into a vehicle for policy influence.

As Play2Act progresses, it seeks to expand its reach beyond mobile games to include PC and console platforms. This evolution reflects the initiative’s commitment to reaching an even broader audience and amplifying its impact on global climate advocacy.

Comments

  • Thanks for the info! I’m curious which other games will be involved. Any chance for some RPGs? 😄

  • JackUnity

    Why stop at 10 languages? Wouldn’t more languages mean more insights? Let’s go global!

  • sebastianenchant

    Great initiative! But I wonder how they ensure the data collected is unbiased and reliable?

  • Arianna_Luminary

    Are we sure gamers want to be involved in climate policy? I mean, they’re mostly here to play, right?

  • So cool to see games like Subway Surfers getting involved! What’s next, Fortnite saving the planet?

  • willow_flux

    PlanetPlay and UNDP, what a team! Here’s to hoping this collaboration brings real change.

  • Glad to see the gaming industry stepping up for climate change! But how will the data be used effectively?

  • Is embedding polls in games really the best way to gather data? Seems a bit distracting while playing!

  • Charles5

    Wow, this is amazing! Finally, a way to make gaming even more impactful. How can I participate in these surveys? 😊

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