How to Improve Your Game for Sustainable Growth

How to Improve Your Game for Sustainable Growth

In the ever-expanding world of gaming, the impact on the environment is becoming a pressing concern. As the gaming industry continues to grow, it's crucial that we adopt sustainable practices to reduce our environmental footprint. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to improve your game for sustainable growth, covering various aspects from energy-efficient hardware to eco-friendly game design and community engagement.

Embracing Energy-Efficient Hardware

The hardware used in game development and gaming is a significant contributor to energy consumption and carbon emissions. However, recent advancements have made it possible to balance high-performance standards with energy efficiency.

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Advances in Hardware Technology

Hardware manufacturers have been working tirelessly to reduce the energy consumption of GPUs and cooling systems. For instance, the PowerColor Edge AI system has introduced an energy-saving mechanism that reduced power consumption by 23% during a test run of Final Fantasy XV, with only a 9% drop in performance.

| Hardware Component | Traditional Consumption | Energy-Efficient Consumption | Reduction in Performance |
|--------------------|---------------------------|-------------------------------|----------------------------|
| PowerColor Edge AI  | 250W                     | 192W                          | 9%                         |
| Low-Power GPUs (e.g., GTX 1650) | 120W                  | 90W                           | Minimal                   |

Practical Tips for Energy Efficiency

  • Choose Low-Power GPUs: Opt for GPUs like the GTX 1650, which offer high-performance gaming while using less energy.
  • Use Advanced Cooling Systems: Invest in cooling systems that are designed to be energy-efficient, such as those using AI-based power management.
  • Adjust Game Settings: Lower the resolution or frame rate when the game is idle or in menu scenes, as seen in games like Fortnite and Call of Duty, to shave off a few watts of energy without compromising the user experience.

A Greener Path with Digital Distribution

The shift from physical to digital game distribution is a significant step towards sustainability.

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The Impact of Digital Distribution

Digital distribution platforms like Steam and mobile app stores have revolutionized the way games are purchased and played. This transition reduces the need for physical discs, packaging, and transportation, thereby cutting down on carbon emissions, plastic waste, and energy consumption related to game production.

Benefits of Digital Gaming

  • Reduced Carbon Footprint: No need for transportation and storage of physical copies.
  • Less Waste: Eliminates the need for packaging materials.
  • Convenience: Games are readily available for download, reducing the need for physical purchases.

Games That Educate & Encourage Sustainability

Games can be powerful tools for educating players about environmental issues and promoting sustainable behaviors.

Environmental Storytelling in Games

Developers are increasingly creating games that immerse players in ecosystems where their actions have direct environmental impacts. For example:

  • June's Journey: This game by Wooga includes in-game events focused on environmental themes, where players can buy tree decorations, leading to real trees being planted.
  • Subway Surfers: In a 2021 update, the game included a mini-game called "Play 2 Plant," which encouraged players to plant trees in the game, resulting in over 200,000 real trees being planted through a partnership with Ecologi.

Gamification of Sustainability

Gamification can be a powerful tool to encourage sustainable behaviors. Here are some ways games can do this:

  • In-Game Messages: Games like State of Survival by FunPlus include messages that encourage players to support environmental preservation.
  • Real-World Impact: Games that partner with environmental organizations to plant trees or support conservation efforts can make a tangible difference.

Community Engagement and Sustainable Practices

The gaming community plays a crucial role in driving sustainable practices within the industry.

Speaking Out for Change

Players have the power to influence game developers by demanding more sustainable practices. Here’s how you can make a difference:

  • Be Vocal: Let manufacturers know that sustainability matters to you. This can prompt them to take steps to reduce the environmental impact of their products.
  • Support Sustainable Initiatives: Engage with games and developers that support environmental projects. For example, Kwalee’s partnership with PlanetPlay allows players to purchase the Green Planet Pack, supporting reforestation, renewable energy, and ocean cleanup efforts.

Building a Sustainable Gaming Community

  • Transparent Communication: Developers should maintain open dialogue with players, sharing development roadmaps and seeking feedback. This fosters a sense of community and encourages players to be part of the sustainable journey.
  • Community Moderation: Active community moderation can help create a positive and welcoming environment, encouraging players to adopt sustainable behaviors and support eco-friendly initiatives.

The Future of Green Gaming

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it's essential to remain mindful of the environmental impact of new technologies.

Cloud Gaming and Green Energy

Cloud gaming, while convenient, can increase carbon emissions unless powered by green energy. It's crucial for server-based gaming to transition to renewable energy sources to maintain sustainability.

Organizational Support

Organizations like Playing for Planet and Games for Change are at the forefront of promoting sustainable game development. These organizations showcase games that address real-world issues like climate change and sustainability, inspiring players to rethink their relationship with nature and the environment.

Five Ways to Make Your Gaming More Sustainable

Here are some practical tips to help you make your gaming more sustainable:

  • Power Your Gaming with Renewable Energy: Switch to renewable energy sources to power your gaming setup.
  • Choose Digital Over Physical: Opt for digital versions of games to avoid transport emissions, unnecessary plastic, and landfill waste.
  • Think Twice Before Upgrading Hardware: Extend the life of your hardware to reduce e-waste. The longer you use your current hardware, the better for the environment.
  • Recycle Old Hardware: Recycle old games and hardware to give them a new life. Check local recycling options or gift them to others.
  • Support Eco-Friendly Game Developers: Engage with developers who prioritize sustainability and support environmental projects through their games.

Improving your game for sustainable growth is a multifaceted approach that involves adopting energy-efficient hardware, embracing digital distribution, supporting environmental storytelling in games, engaging with the community, and looking towards a sustainable future.

As Mathias Gredal Nørvig, CEO of Sybo, notes, "We have the opportunity to spread important messaging about steps we can all take together to help our planet and move towards a more sustainable ecosystem. We are running at this crisis together with our players."

By being mindful of our environmental impact and taking small but significant steps, we can create a more sustainable gaming industry that benefits both the environment and the gaming community.

| Sustainable Practice                  | Benefits                                                                 |
|--------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Energy-Efficient Hardware            | Reduces energy consumption, lowers carbon emissions                       |
| Digital Distribution                 | Cuts down on carbon emissions, plastic waste, and energy consumption     |
| Environmental Storytelling in Games | Educates players about environmental issues, promotes sustainable behaviors|
| Community Engagement                 | Encourages players to support sustainable initiatives, fosters community    |
| Sustainable Game Development         | Inspires players to rethink their relationship with nature and the environment|

In the words of Ben Abraham, "A sustainable gaming industry is possible. We’re very far away from it. But it is possible."

Let's work together to make our gaming world more sustainable, one step at a time.

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