Green Gaming: Sustainable Practices in Game Development

As the games industry continues to grow, with billions of gamers worldwide, it’s important that we embrace green gaming by being more responsible about our environmental impact. With the power of gaming equipment comes the responsibility to consider its impact on the environment.

We all love playing games; however, have you ever considered the effects it may have on the environment? Right from game development to packaging, promotion, distribution and playing, we leave a carbon footprint. The good news is that by focusing on green gaming, we can shift towards more sustainable practices and create a healthier environment for the future.

Energy-Efficient Hardware

The hardware used to develop and play games is evolving rapidly. By adopting energy-efficient technology, we are reducing our environmental impact while aiming to maintain high-performance standards. However, achieving both energy efficiency and top-tier performance isn’t always easy. Still, by choosing hardware that balances power consumption with performance, we can make gaming more sustainable without sacrificing the quality of our experiences.

In recent years, hardware manufacturers have made significant strides in reducing the energy consumption of GPUs and cooling systems. For instance, the PowerColor Edge AI system introduced an energy-saving mechanism that reduced power consumption by 23% in a test run of Final Fantasy XV with only a 9% drop in performance. This shows how advanced cooling systems and AI-based power management can lead to more energy-efficient gaming hardware without compromising gameplay quality. Additionally, many low-power GPUs like the GTX 1650 have been designed to offer high-performance gaming while using less energy and reducing e-waste​.​

Let’s talk about consoles. The Xbox Series X does indeed have energy-efficient features, but when comparing it to alternatives like the PlayStation 5 and the Nintendo Switch, the energy savings are not dramatically different. For example, during typical gameplay, the Xbox Series X consumes about 158 watts, while the PlayStation 5 uses around 159 watts. This makes the energy usage nearly identical between these two consoles. The Nintendo Switch, however, is far more efficient, consuming much less power due to its less powerful hardware, often below 20 watts during gameplay.

What sets the Xbox apart is its focus on renewable energy. It optimises system updates and downloads to occur when more renewable energy is available, which isn't a feature prominently advertised by Sony or Nintendo. This can help reduce the Xbox’s carbon footprint, particularly in regions where grid energy sources are variable throughout the day.

As developers create more demanding games, it's important for hardware makers to use more sustainable materials and designs. This helps lower energy use and reduces the amount of e-waste, discarded electronic devices and components, that we produce.

A Greener Path with Digital Distribution

Just as we switched to OTT (Over-the-Top) platforms like streaming services from buying cassettes or DVDs or using TV providers to watch a new movie, why not enjoy, for example, PC and console games digitally from the comfort of home?

The demand for games is ever-increasing, but thanks to digital distribution platforms like Steam and mobile app stores, which have changed the way gamers purchase and play games. Imagine the cut down on carbon emissions, plastic waste, and energy consumption related to game production, such as less demand for physical discs, packaging, and transportation!

Game streaming enhances the experience while also supporting sustainability. As gamers, we can contribute by choosing digital versions and enjoy the convenience. While there’s lots of conversations to have about preservation and ownership, it’s important to consider how we can help create a more sustainable future for gaming and the environment.

Games That Educate & Encourage Sustainability

Developers are increasingly recognising the power of games to educate as well as entertain, and many are creating games that promote sustainability. These titles immerse players in ecosystems where their actions directly affect the environment, teaching valuable lessons.

For example, June's Journey by Wooga has won multiple awards for its in-game events focused on environmental themes. Players can buy in-game tree decorations, with real trees being planted based on their purchases​. Similarly, Boom Beach by Supercell partnered with the Sea Turtle Conservancy to raise awareness about wildlife conservation, winning recognition for its green activations. In State of Survival by FunPlus, players are encouraged to support environmental preservation through in-game messages.
 

We also got involved through Wildmender, a game developed by Muse Games and published by Kwalee. Wildmender encourages players to restore a barren world to life by learning to live in harmony with nature. The game has partnered with the Rainforest Alliance to raise awareness about environmental issues, offering a unique downloadable content (DLC) item, a Rainforest Alliance Frog Hat. Proceeds from this item supported the Rainforest Alliance's mission. Additionally, Muse Games has partnered with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to release an IRC-branded hat as downloadable content (DLC), with proceeds from each purchase supporting the IRC’s mission to help people affected by conflict and disaster, starting from the game’s launch.
 

Game companies like Ubisoft and Tencent Games have received prestigious recognition for their contribution and participation in the Green Game Jam, a competition that challenges developers to create games that motivate players to go green and champion for the planet’s future.
 

Such initiatives show how developers can inspire positive change by engaging players with environmental issues while keeping them entertained. Through these creative efforts, the gaming community is helping to raise awareness and motivate real-world actions for the planet's future.

Community, It’s Time To Green Up!

We can’t just leave it all to game developers. It's up to us as a community to speak out about sustainability too. If we don’t ask for change, we won’t get it. After all, developers who listen to their players are the ones who grow and succeed, so let’s make sure they know we care about greener gaming.

Speaking of which, Kwalee has taken exciting steps in this direction through our partnership with PlanetPlay. As part of the Make Green Tuesday Moves initiative, Kwalee's award-winning game Text Express: Word Adventure is offering players the opportunity to purchase the Green Planet Pack. Each purchase supports certified environmental projects, contributing directly to reforestation, renewable energy, and ocean cleanup efforts. With global music sensation Joe Jonas backing the campaign, it’s an incredible chance for gamers to make the world a better place while enjoying their favourite game.

Through partnerships like this, we’re showing that playing games can be more than just entertainment. It can be a force for positive environmental change. Together, we can keep the industry both fun and eco-friendly.

The Future of Green Gaming is Here

As a games community, we have the potential to lead by example, showing that games can be entertaining, exciting, and sustainable too. We should remain mindful of the environmental impact of server-based gaming, such as cloud gaming, which can increase emissions unless powered by green energy. It’s encouraging to see hardware manufacturers, digital distributors, game developers, and players all taking steps in the right direction toward more sustainable practices. 

Organisations like Playing for Planet and Games for Change promote the development of games that address real-world issues like climate change and sustainability. They showcase games that inspire players to rethink their relationship with nature and the environment. 

Combining gaming with eco-friendly practices is an exciting opportunity, but we know that addressing environmental challenges isn’t easy. There’s no quick fix, and it will take effort from all of us. However, every step counts, and together we can make a meaningful impact. Let’s continue the conversation about how we can make games part of the solution. We’re eager to hear your ideas and initiatives for fostering sustainability in games, and to see how we can work together to support the planet.