Playing for the Planet

Category: Industry Alliance

Founded: 2019

Base: Global

Status: Active

Website: https://playing4theplanet.org/

Overview

Playing for the Planet is a global games industry alliance focused on using video games to support environmental action and reduce the industry's carbon footprint. It was founded at the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit in New York and is facilitated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The alliance now has more than 50 games organisations as members.

Its work covers decarbonisation, sustainability research, industry guidance and using games to encourage players to take environmental action. Its main initiative is the Green Game Jam, an annual programme in which studios create in-game content around environmental themes.

Playing for the Planet has also developed a clear connection with Africa. In 2024, it partnered with the Pan Africa Gaming Group (PAGG) to hold the first Green Games Summit in Africa in Nairobi. The event brought together games companies, African developers, government representatives and the UN to discuss sustainability and the potential of games as a tool for environmental action.

Key People

• Sam Barratt - Chief of Youth, Education & Advocacy, UNEP
• Lisa Pak - Head of Operations
• Alex Avard - Project Manager
• Louisa Keight - Project Manager, Green Game Jam

Kenya connection

• Hosted Africa's first Green Games Summit in Nairobi in 2024 with PAGG.
• The summit highlighted Kenyan studios including Usiku Games, Internet of Elephants and Mekon Games.
• PAGG is a member of the Playing for the Planet Alliance.