Gaming Drives Greener Habits Worldwide According to Play2Act Poll

PlanetPlay recently unveiled compelling data from its Play2Act initiative, demonstrating that video games can effectively encourage greener habits among players worldwide. This innovative poll, embedded within popular games, surveyed over 181,000 gamers across 189 countries, including many from least developed and small island states, to assess the impact of environmental messaging in gaming.

The results are striking: 79% of respondents who played games featuring green content reported making at least one positive environmental behavior change. Nearly half of these players reduced their energy consumption or increased use of public transport, while a third adopted greener consumption habits. This data underscores the potential of games not just to entertain but to inspire meaningful action toward sustainability.

Launched in September 2024, Play2Act is a collaborative effort between PlanetPlay, a not-for-profit platform dedicated to environmental action through gaming, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The poll was integrated into 24 popular games such as Subway Surfers, Beatstar, Pokemon GO!, and Avakin Life, leveraging a combined weekly reach of 80 million players. Twenty game studios and platforms participated, highlighting a broad industry commitment to sustainability.

Industry leaders emphasize the unique position of games to engage diverse audiences on environmental issues. Rhea Loucas, CEO of PlanetPlay, noted that embedding sustainability into gameplay not only informs players but inspires real-world action. Matthias Gredal Norvig, CEO of Sybo, the studio behind Subway Surfers, highlighted the responsibility and opportunity games have to amplify climate action globally.

The Play2Act survey also supports the EU and UK-funded GREAT project, which explores how games can drive social engagement and foster dialogue on climate and nature crises. Participating studios will analyze the data to promote sustainability within the gaming industry, while UNDP aims to leverage insights to better understand global perspectives, especially among youth and in the global south.

Cassie Flynn, UNDP’s global director of climate change, emphasized the need to harness all tools, including gaming, to raise awareness and drive meaningful climate action. The Play2Act initiative exemplifies how games can serve as powerful platforms for both entertainment and large-scale engagement on environmental issues, particularly among younger generations.

PlanetPlay continues to empower gamers globally to support environmental action through gameplay and in-game purchases, fostering a movement that educates and mobilizes players to protect the planet’s biodiversity. The Play2Act findings highlight the transformative potential of integrating sustainability into gaming experiences, paving the way for a more engaged and eco-conscious gaming community.