The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has joined forces with PlanetPlay, a non-profit dedicated to using games for environmental change. In late November, they launched the Play2Act initiative on the UN's website. This move aims to tap into the vast influence of the gaming community, which is expected to reach over 3.3 billion by 2024. With this initiative, gamers worldwide have the potential to address the climate crisis and ecosystem issues.

"Uniting Gaming and Environmental Action through Play2Act"

How the Play2Act Initiative Works

The Play2Act initiative is part of the GREAT project funded by the European Union. It explores how video games can engage citizens in policy discussions, including climate action. Through in-game polls, it gathers player comments on how games can help combat climate change and protect nature. By including these polls within games, players can share their views while enjoying their favorite pastimes. The data collected will help shape a better understanding of how games can inspire collective action on environmental issues.

Launched in late 2024, Play2Act has surveys in ten languages, ensuring global accessibility. By mid-October, over half a million participants from more than 200 countries had already taken part. The initial results show significant potential for games to educate players about climate challenges and environmental programs.

Leading academics from institutions like Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education, Zentrum für Soziale Innovation, Bolton University, Oxford University, and Universidad Internacional de La Rioja are analyzing the findings. Their aim is to provide a scientific foundation for using games as tools to influence global policy and create change.

Gaming as a Cultural Tool

Major gaming companies such as Microsoft Xbox, Rovio, Niantic, Bandai Namco, Creative Mobile, Eline Media, FunPlus, Lockwood Publishing, SYBO, and Ten Square Games are founding partners of the initiative. These companies are promoting Play2Act within their games or through social media, incorporating sustainability themes to raise environmental awareness.

At the launch, PlanetPlay's CEO Rhea Loucas emphasized the significance of video games as a cultural tool. She stated, "This initiative aims to engage the gaming community and leverage its reach to drive positive change." UNDP Climate Hub Director Jennifer Baumwoll added, "Play2Act will enable players to voice their ideas on how gaming can contribute to global climate action. We aim to use this platform to foster groundbreaking solutions."

Through initiatives like Play2Act, the UN and the gaming industry are showing how entertainment platforms can be transformed into vehicles for meaningful change. These efforts inspire the gaming community to raise awareness and take action on climate change and environmental degradation, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

PlanetPlay and UNDP invite more gaming studios and producers to get involved, regardless of their size.The Environment and Climate Change portal is produced in cooperation with the Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. The Jerusalem Post retains all editorial decisions related to the content.