The Annual Impact Report 2023 from Playing for the Planet reveals that the Green Game Jam raised over $700,000 in the past year.
In 2023, half of the gaming members in the alliance met their commitments, while others made partial deliveries towards reducing their carbon footprint, incorporating green initiatives into games, and supporting sustainability efforts among colleagues.
The alliance welcomed five new organizations in 2023, expanding awareness of Playing for the Planet within the gaming community. The cause also motivated action at various global events, including Pocket Gamer Connects.
Progress in Green Games
Since its inception in 2019, Playing for the Planet has grown to include 34 major gaming companies and 10 trade associations. In 2023, efforts to decarbonize the gaming industry continued as 40 games participated in the Green Game Jam.
The focus of the Green Game Jam was on protecting endangered species like harlequin toads in the Amazon, snow leopards in the Himalayas, and manta rays in the Western Indian Ocean. Games such as Supercell’s Boom Beach, Wooga’s June’s Journey, and Outfit7’s My Talking Angela 2 stood out for effectively integrating these themes, resulting in over $700,000 raised for the endangered species and their habitats.
Playing for the Planet partnered with Milkywire to distribute these funds to organizations like ProPurús, Snow Leopard Trust, and Marine Megafauna Foundation, among others.
Empowering the Cause
Tommi Lappalainen, Senior Manager of Sustainability at Rovio, praised Playing for the Planet as a foundation that amplifies awareness about climate and environmental issues. Amazon Games’ Chief Creative Officer Greg Gobbi expressed honor in joining the alliance to promote sustainability within the gaming industry.
Looking ahead to 2024, Playing for the Planet will open the Green Game Jam to all studios and aims for a 25% increase in alliance membership. The organization also plans to explore the role of AI in driving sustainability initiatives.
