Study: Bringing Sustainability Topics to Games Shows Positive Effects

Over 181,000 players from 189 countries took part in a UN-supported survey by Play2Act, which analysed the impact of sustainability content in games. The results show that the messages in games are effective.

The surveys were conducted on games like Subway Surfers, Pokémon GO!, Beatstar, and Avakin Life from 20 studios that reach a total of more than 80 million players per week. The studios included Bandai Namco, as well as Funplus, Hutch, Jagex, Microsoft, Niantic, Outplay, Reliance, Rovio, Space Ape Games, Sybo, Ten Square Games and Tripledot.

A central concern was whether the integration of sustainability and environmental messages also influences behaviour in real life. It is therefore about the potential of games to bring about positive changes in environmental and climate protection.

The answer was clear: 79 per cent have adopted at least one more environmentally friendly habit. Nearly 50 per cent think, games can play a role in solving climate change or environmental issues. 56 per cent say, games can contribute by raising awareness, 53 per cent by education players wtht to do to take action und 44,6 per cent by raising funds for green projects. More results can be found on the website of PlanetPlay.

"Games are uniquely positioned to engage a vast and diverse audience on environmental issues. Seeing so many players adopt greener habits after engaging with green content is a powerful testament to the impact games can have in shaping a more sustainable future,” said Rhea Loucas, CEO at PlanetPlay. “The Play2Act results prove that when sustainability is embedded into gameplay, it doesn’t just inform—it inspires real action.”

The survey survey has been developed by PlanetPlay, a not-for-profit organisation which aims to harness the power of the three billion gamers worldwide to effect change, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). "More needs to be done to enhance awareness of the climate and nature crises. We must utilize every tool at our disposal to drive meaningful change, and this effort should involve every segment of society, including the private sector and the gaming industry," said Cassie Flynn, Global Director of Climate Change at UNDP. "The Play2Act initiative shows the potential of games -- not only as an entertainment tool, but also as platforms for gathering insights and engaging with individuals, especially young people, on a large scale."