To raise awareness about climate change, a UCL researcher teamed up with one of the most popular mobile games, updating it to show science-based predictions of what will happen to Earth after a century of global warming.
Professor Mark Maslin (UCL Geography) authored a white paper for the makers of the mobile game PUBG MOBILE to guide them on the effects a warming climate is likely to have on future environments. Based on his research, the campaign will see the addition of two new maps that players can use in the game. These maps immerse players in some of the predicted worst-case scenarios for climate change by the year 2124.
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In his publicly available white paper, Professor Maslin laid out the dire predicted impact of a rise of four degrees Celsius over the next century, one of the worst-case predicted scenarios for climate change. In such a world, many regions will experience sustained summer temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius, with heatwaves in excess of 50 degrees, causing frequent prolonged droughts, extreme weather, melting ice caps, and more than a metre of sea level rise among other upheaval.
The white paper also explores a more positive outlook. He highlights what the world would look like if a global effort is made to prevent the planet from warming about 1.5 degrees C, and what would be needed to ensure such a future. In addition to authoring the paper, Professor Maslin is featured in a short educational video further highlighting the impacts of climate change, and how it is translated to the game.
In the game, players battle each other on maps inspired by real-world locations. One of the most popular maps, 'Erangel', is receiving an update in the games creator mode World of Wonder, and the new 'Ruins of Erangel' map series reimagines the locale after 100 years beset by rampant sandstorms, drought, and a depletion of tree and plant life.
Professor Mark Maslin (UCL Geography) said: "Climate change is not just a distant threat - it's a reality that will impact every corner of our world. The 'Play for Green' campaign in PUBG MOBILE is a powerful tool for raising awareness, offering players a glimpse into a possible future shaped by climate change. By merging science with interactive storytelling, we're helping to educate and engage a global audience in the fight to protect our planet."
The effort is part of the Playing for the Planet Alliance's Green Game Jam. The Playing for the Planet Alliance is a membership-based initiative that supports the video games industry to reduce its environmental impact. Facilitated by the United Nations Environment Programme, the initiative is designed to help those active in the games industry to find ways to live more sustainably.
The Green Game Jam is an annual challenge for studios with live games and existing audiences to build 'green activations' that engage their players on particular environmental topics. Its goal is to harness the reach and cultural power of video games to engage people all over the world on environmental issues.
Sam Barrett, the United Nations Environment Programme's Chief Youth, Education & Advocacy said: "The Green Game Jam 2024 is all about harnessing the unique power of gaming to inspire and encourage players to get their sleeves rolled up and take action themselves. Whether it is making a different choice of what to eat, how to travel or power your home or using our voice to speak out, people power has always played a role in making the world one we all want it to be. The Green Game Jam has been built as a sandbox for all studios to get players to consider how small actions can make a real difference. We look forward to seeing how PUBG MOBILE's 'Play for Green' campaign inspires even more people to act."
