Transforming Eco-Anxiety into Empowerment: The Revolutionary Role of Games

Volha Kapitonava, managing director of Positive Impact Games, discusses the potential of video games to transform attitudes towards climate change. In recent years, the industry has seen a surge in games focused on environmental themes, such as Terra Nil, Alba: A Wildlife Adventure, and Beyond Blue. This shift is driven by growing player demand for stories that prioritize the well-being of the planet. The timing of this trend is crucial, as eco-anxiety has become a mainstream concern, with 45% of young people reporting that climate change affects their daily lives. Traditional climate communication often exacerbates the problem by emphasizing catastrophe and hopelessness, leading to feelings of powerlessness and disengagement. However, games can help by providing experiences where players can make meaningful decisions and witness the consequences of their actions. This can foster a sense of agency and motivation, as players are able to see the impact of their choices in a virtual environment. A recent study found that players who engage with environmental games are more likely to adopt pro-environmental behaviors in real life. The key to this phenomenon is joy, which is often overlooked in discussions about climate change. Games that offer joyful experiences can help players confront their anxiety and feel empowered to take action. Wholesome games, in particular, are designed to promote cooperation, empathy, and regeneration, and can help convert anxiety into agency. While games are not a replacement for activism or systemic change, they can play a vital role in shaping perception, emotion, and motivation. By providing a safe space for players to experiment and learn, games can inspire hope and encourage collective responsibility. Examples of games driving real-world eco-action include Space Ape Games' fundraising efforts for wildlife charities and Fortnite's humanitarian relief campaigns. The Playing for the Planet Awards recognizes initiatives that promote player eco-action, such as funding tree-planting and protecting wildlife habitats. However, games also have limitations, and their impact is indirect. They cannot enforce systemic change or guarantee real-world action. Nevertheless, by delivering joy and creating the conditions for action to emerge, games can serve as a rehearsal space for hope. Positive Impact Games is committed to creating wholesome and inspiring games that uplift and connect players, with the goal of empowering them to make a positive impact on the world.