Research
Trista, P. (2019). Playing for the planet: how video games can deliver for people and the environment. UNEP. Available at: https://biblioteca.semarnat.gob.mx/janium/Documentos/Ciga/libros2018/CD004283.pdf (Accessed: 10th of May, 2021).
The United Nations document already gives some detailed guidance. You can find initiatives on a number of environmental issues, including Helping parents to engage with their children around gaming. There are also some game references. I found that there were a lot of notes for me to study. I think I can find something useful.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 17 new development goals, continue to guide global development efforts for 2015-2030 beyond the expiration of the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for 2000-2015. Headquarters, where the 193 UN member states will formally adopt 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs aim to move towards a sustainable development path by thoroughly addressing the three dimensions of development – social, economic and environmental – in an integrated manner between 2015 and 2030.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will guide global development policy and the use of finance from 2015 to 2030. The SDGs make a historic commitment: the overarching goal is to end poverty forever in every corner of the world.
The 17 SDGs aim to shift towards a sustainable development path that addresses the social, economic and environmental dimensions of development, specifically: poverty eradication; hunger eradication; good health and well-being; quality education; gender equality; clean water and sanitation; affordable and clean energy; decent work and economic growth; industry, innovation and infrastructure; closing the gap; sustainable cities and communities; responsible consumption and production; climate action; underwater life; terrestrial life; peace, justice and strong institutions; and partnerships for the achievement of the Goals.
Case Study
Here are two games that are good examples of how to make the seriousness part fun! One is City: Skyline and the other is The Sims 4 Eco Lifestyle DLC.
The latest DLC for Cities Skylines called Green City. Give mayors even more ways to build your city and make your city an eco-friendly city. This DLC adds around 350 eco-friendly assets: eco-friendly houses, organic shops, electric cars and new services that will allow your city to say goodbye to pollution forever. This DLC allows players to create multiple types of city zones and, of course, to build purely eco-friendly cities. New services and housing assets reduce noise and ground pollution, make the sky bluer and make little Jojo feel safe.
In The Sims 4 – Eco Lifestyle DLC players need to improve the environment in which their characters live by acting environmentally friendly. This type of simulated life play will have an impact on the player’s real life.
The game has 4 features on low carbon living initiatives and education：
- Sustainable Living
- Three key points: save, recycle and reuse. Try growing crops in a vertical garden or picking up supplies from a rubbish truck – just remember to take a good shower afterwards.
- Co-operative groups
- Your greatest resource is your community. Vote weekly for community action plans to encourage recycling, volunteerism and other initiatives.
- Change the world
- A small act of kindness can make a big difference. Remember, your actions have a long-term impact on the environment around you.
- Recycle and transform your decorations
- One person’s trash can be another person’s lightweight furniture. Decorate your home with second-hand items, or make your own items from recycled materials. Either way, it’s a cutting-edge fashion for recycling and remodelling.
By simulating low-carbon life, is very immersive for the player. At the same time, it serves as a good guide to the player’s real life. The inclusion of serious content doesn’t detract from the gameplay itself, so it’s fun to play.