Talking About Green

The phrases “eco-friendly” and “video games” are rarely seen together in the same sentence, largely due to the fact that there aren’t a lot of ways to make games green.  Let’s face it, the methods of transference are decidedly wasteful; companies that create these games are either manufacturing millions of discs (plus packaging) or streaming over internet connections, requiring tons of energy consumption.  Not green.  However, some companies are doing their part to support eco-friendly initiatives by creating games that raise awareness about environmental issues and urge players to do more in their own lives to make a change.  Here are just a couple that you and your kids may want to check out.

Plan It Green has been cited as one of the best modern video games to tackle environmental issues.  In the vast world of downloadable online games, there is not much in the way of eco-friendly sensibilities.  Perhaps a case could be made for FarmVille as a game that promotes sustainable, local farming, but that’s a pretty big stretch.  Plan It Green, on the other hand, is a game that is not only geared towards promoting eco-friendly sensibilities, but also manages to avoid the stigma of yawn-inducing self-righteousness that has long permeated “educational” games.  You play the mayor of a Sims-like town that must be built up from a virtual barren wasteland.  Your goal is to greenify the town by creating eco-friendly buildings, incorporating clean industry and energy, and of course, adding plenty of greenery.

Ecotopia is another game on the horizon that may nab millions of players.  This game definitely falls into the modern category, with a social setup akin to Zynga games FarmVille and CityVille.  But it comes with added value on a couple of fronts.  First, it deals with environmental issues.  You enter the world as a virtual eco-warrior, combatting the polluted and wasteful world one CFL or solar panel at a time.  Slowly, you’ll begin to beautify the run-down world you’ve inherited until it becomes a utopia of sustainable sensibilities.  In addition to playing the game, members will be receive real-world video challenges (extreme recycling, anyone?) that can earn them points in-game.  And of course, fans of Harrison Ford may get to see the actor in-game, urging them to perform actions.  Ford, who is a board member for Conservation International, has been very supportive of the game, citing it as a method of engaging millions in the fight against environmental issues.

Finally, Emerald Island is one for the kids, but it is fairly forward-thinking.  This MMO (massive multiplayer online) game sets individual challenges for players age 6-12, asking them to stop eco-disasters such as pollution and deforestation, but they are also able to interact with other live players, as well as NPCs that offer guidance.  They start with an animal avatar and receive a home and garden to tend when they’re not doing quests or playing minigames.  The best part is that it will help your kids to understand, in a non-threatening way, the environmental challenges our planet is facing and what they can do to help.

So if you’re on the lookout for a gaming experience that offers more than your regular free roulette game or another round of Texas Hold ‘Em, think about spending your free time with one of these eco-friendly games.  They will not only keep you entertained, but also inspire you to do your part on the environmental protection front.