As environmental concerns continue to be at the forefront of public discourse, game developers are taking notice and creating games that not only entertain, but also raise awareness about pressing environmental issues. Here, we take a look at two games that encourage players to think about the planet in a new light.

First up is “Walden, a game,” which is based on the classic book by Henry David Thoreau. In this game, players step into Thoreau’s shoes and experience life at Walden Pond, where he lived for two years in the 19th century. The game allows players to explore the world around them, gather resources, and interact with nature. But it’s not just a simple life simulator; the game also presents players with thought-provoking questions and encourages them to contemplate their own relationship with the environment.

The game’s creator, Tracy Fullerton, describes “Walden” as “a game about the experience of living deliberately.” She says that the game is intended to “inspire a greater connection to nature and the world around us.” And it seems to be doing just that; since its release in 2017, the game has won multiple awards and has been praised for its unique approach to environmentalism.

Another game that tackles environmental issues is “Fate of the World,” a strategy game that allows players to take control of a global environmental organization and make decisions that affect the planet’s future. The game presents players with real-world scenarios, such as rising sea levels and food shortages, and challenges them to come up with solutions that balance economic, social, and environmental concerns.

The game’s creator, Ian Roberts, says that “Fate of the World” is intended to “stimulate debate and promote understanding about the complex issues surrounding climate change.” And it seems to be working; players have praised the game for its realism and for its ability to make them think more deeply about the environmental challenges facing our world.

Both “Walden, a game” and “Fate of the World” represent a new wave of games that are using technology to raise awareness about pressing environmental issues. By encouraging players to think about their own relationship with the planet and presenting them with thought-provoking scenarios, these games have the potential to spark important conversations and inspire real-world action.

But these games are just the beginning. As environmental concerns continue to grow, we can expect to see more and more games that take a similar approach. By harnessing the power of gaming, we can help to build a more sustainable world for ourselves and for future generations.