Global urbanization and advancements in technology have led to a disconnect between people and the natural environments around them [1,2]. This lack of interaction with nature has contributed to rising issues including mental and social health concerns, diminished ecological knowledge, and heightened conservation challenges [3,4]. The onset of COVID-19 lockdowns in spring of 2020 sparked renewed interest in wildlife and human-wildlife interactions as a lot of people felt disconnected from other individuals and more connected with the surroundings they were confined to. Individuals turned to media – not only for entertainment, but also to alleviate the anxiety, depression, and isolation induced by social distancing, as a means of virtual connection with others. Beyond their entertainment value, games have the potential, through storytelling, to educate and raise awareness about various issues, including ecological themes, thus becoming powerful tools for education and advocacy.

Games are unique forms of media in the sense that they are ‘designed experiences’ where players learn through experimentation (albeit without real-world consequences). Players learn from their actions and choices which can be a powerful teaching tool, rather than absorbing information from reading or listening to lectures. This idea, rooted in decision science, describes how first-hand experience is a much better teacher than mere exposure to information. Games, with the opportunity for high-levels of autonomy and agency, help players connect to characters, storylines, and environments. Beyond the realm of virtual battles and adventures, a new frontier has emerged where video games serve as platforms for raising awareness about biodiversity, human-animal interactions, welfare, and more, often without the player even realizing. These interactive experiences offer players a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in virtual ecosystems and engage with new and familiar animals, thus fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world.

There are few scientific studies that examine the link between video games and ecological awareness [5], but in the way that books, cartoons, television programs, and animated movies can allow for gaining knowledge about wildlife and ecology, video games could also be a facilitator in engaging people with concepts about the natural world in which they live [6,7]. “Animal Crossing New Horizons” is a prime example of a video game in which the player experiences virtual nature (Nintendo, 2020). The game’s popularity rose to unprecedented levels due to the isolated and confined conditions people found themselves in during the pandemic. In this peaceful, slow-paced game, players capture, collect, plant, and display a diversity of organisms that exist around the world. After obtaining new species on their island, players can “donate” and visit them in a museum and learn facts about them as their collection grows. There are more activities players can engage in, such as gardening, crafting objects with resources gathered from their island, and even hybridizing flower varieties to obtain new ones, thus bringing awareness to ecological concepts and conservation challenges. One study found that Animal Crossing players were able to correctly identify organisms that feature in the game significantly more than non-players indicating the promotion of people learning about and engaging with the natural world [8]. The researchers suggest that the game may act as a “virtual fieldwork experience” and could be used (along with other digital platforms) to promote long-term environmental stewardship [9]. But this game is far from the only example of how video games can be used as a tool to bring people closer to ecological concepts, especially to those who may not have access otherwise.

One of the most compelling aspects of video games is their ability to simulate complex environments and ecosystems with stunning realism. Through visually captivating graphics and immersive soundscapes, players can explore lush forests, vast oceans, and diverse habitats teeming with life. The most profound examples of games that bring nature to players are those that not only immerse players in these environments, but also subtly integrate educational elements. Games like “Abzû” (Giant Squid, 2016), and “Beyond Blue” (E-line Media, 2020) offer players immersive underwater experiences that transport them into stunning natural environments, where they can explore seascapes teeming with life. As players interact with different creatures and environments, they inadvertently learn about species recognition, distinguishing between different types of fish, marine mammals, and other organisms. This process of exploration and discovery not only enriches the gaming experience but also fosters a deeper appreciation and understanding of the diverse ecosystems showcased in these games.

In addition to providing a window into the natural world, video games also offer interactive experiences that encourage players to engage with ecological concepts and thus inspire players to take action to address pressing environmental issues in the real world. Games like “SimCity” (Electronic Arts, 2013) and “Anno 2070” (Ubisoft, 2011) tackle issues of resource management and their effects on natural spaces by allowing players to simulate the complexities of urban planning and environmental sustainability. In SimCity, players must balance the needs of their growing city with limited resources and environmental concerns, such as pollution and land degradation. Similarly, in Anno 2070, players must manage resources while navigating the challenges of climate change and rising sea levels, making decisions that impact both their society’s prosperity and the health of the planet. Prompting players to make eco-conscious choices is not the only way video games teach about the dangers of resource exploitation; sometimes, your objective is to actively fight against villains guilty of unchecked exploitation. In games like “Final Fantasy VII” (Square Enix, 2020), the main antagonist is partially villainized for their exploitation of natural resources, particularly a type of energy. The relentless pursuit of that energy leads to environmental degradation, including the draining of the planet’s life force and the destruction of ecosystems. Through these examples and others like them, players are confronted with the consequences of rampant resource exploitation, prompting them to consider the ethical implications of such actions and the importance of environmental conservation in their gaming experiences.

Another concept popularly conveyed in video games is the adaptation of biological organisms to their environment. As players embark on virtual journeys through diverse landscapes and encounter a myriad of creatures, they are exposed to the subtle intricacies of adaptation in action, sometimes without even realizing it. Through gameplay mechanics, storytelling, and immersive environments, video games offer a unique opportunity for players to delve into the fascinating world of biological adaptation, uncovering the awe-inspiring or sometimes disturbing ways in which life forms evolve and thrive in response to the challenges posed by their surroundings. Two popular depictions of this are in “The Last of Us” (Naughty Dog, 2013) and “Fallout” (Bethesda, 2015) game series. In these games, players find themselves roaming and interacting in a post-apocalyptic world where they must navigate environments fraught with danger and decay. In these harsh landscapes, players encounter mutated creatures and resilient plant life, vividly illustrating the idea of organismal adaptations to their changing environments, whether that be lack of human dominion over natural spaces or widespread exposure to dangerous substances.

Screen Captures of gameplay from the post-apocalyptic game Fallout 4, where the player explores the real-life landscape of Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts region. Here, you encounter many creatures, including a dog companion named “Dogmeat” pictured, and various mutated animals. The loading screen often features lore details about some of them. Credit: the author Sabrina Mederos.

Furthermore, video games have the power to evoke empathy and compassion towards animals, prompting players to consider their welfare and their value to human well-being. In the “Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” (Nintendo, 2017), players encounter many creatures throughout the vast open world landscape. Through interactions with animals, players are encouraged to appreciate the beauty and significance of creatures in their natural habitats. Similarly, games like “Zoo Tycoon” (Frontier Developments, 2018) provide players with the opportunity to create and manage virtual zoos, thus fostering a sense of responsibility for the well-being of the animals under their care. By attending to the animals’ needs, such as providing enrichment and designing optimal habitats, players develop empathy and understanding for the complex needs of captive animals. “Red Dead Redemption 2” (Rockstar Games, 2018) showcases a richly detailed ecosystem populated by diverse wildlife and features a compelling narrative that intertwines gameplay with themes of ecological biodiversity and indigenous perspectives on nature, notably through a character named Charles. Charles embodies a deep connection to the land, reflecting indigenous values and reverence for the natural world. His interactions with the environment and wildlife highlight the importance of respecting and coexisting with nature, rather than exploiting it for personal gain. Through gameplay mechanics like hunting, tracking, and environmental exploration, players are immersed in a world where ecological diversity is both celebrated and threatened by human actions. By engaging with Charles’ character, players are encouraged to reflect on their own relationship with nature and the impact of their decisions on the environment. Through these examples and others like them, video games serve as powerful tools for promoting empathy and compassion towards animals, encouraging players to recognize the intrinsic value of animal welfare in both virtual and real-world contexts.

Another popular and well-studied game that highlighted the impactful nature of video games in promoting awareness about the importance of interacting with the outside world is “Pokémon GO” (Niantic, 2016). It has surpassed 1 billion downloads since its release in 2016 and has been credited for increasing naturalistic interests of the general public [10,11]. It revolutionized gaming experiences by seamlessly integrating virtual gameplay with real-world exploration, inspiring players to venture outdoors and interact with nature. Through the game’s augmented reality technology, players are motivated to venture outdoors in search of Pokémon creatures, which are scattered across real-world locations. This unique gameplay mechanic not only promotes physical activity but also fosters a deeper connection to the natural environment as players explore parks, landmarks, and other outdoor spaces in their quest to catch ’em all. By combining virtual elements with real-world environments, these games provide players with opportunities to discover and appreciate the beauty of nature while engaging in immersive gaming experiences.

The educational potential of video games cannot be overstated. By gamifying learning experiences, these games make complex scientific concepts more accessible and engaging, empowering players to become stewards of the environment in their own communities. So far, the examples presented have introduced ways games impart lessons about ecological concepts perhaps somewhat unintentionally. However, there is a wealth of games that are specifically geared towards teaching players about the natural world and how to best take care of it. One great example is “Plasticity” (Plasticity Games, 2019), a free game created by students from the University of Southern California who believe that video games have the potential to spark environmental activism. The gameplay highlights the impact of every piece of garbage we throw away and plastic we recycle on our world. Another great example is “Eco” (Strange Loop Games, 2018), an online multiplayer survival game where players build communities using resources from their surrounding ecosystem. Each in-game choice has a lasting effect on the environment, in the same way it does in real life. “Eco” is funded by both the National Science Foundation and Department of Education as they believe in its ability to inspire change and awareness in its players.

Video games have emerged as powerful tools for raising awareness about biodiversity, animal behavior, welfare, and other ecological topics. Through immersive experiences, interactive gameplay, and educational content, these games offer players a unique opportunity to connect with the natural world and become advocates for environmental conservation. As technology continues to evolve, the potential for video games to inspire positive change and promote sustainability grows ever greater, promising a brighter future for both virtual worlds and the planet we call home.

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The authors Sabrina Mederos and John Paulus are both 4th year PhD students studying the neurobiology of pair bonds at UC Davis. In their free time, they very much enjoyed “researching” the games mentioned in the article.

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References:

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[Edited by: Isabel Kier & Isabelle McDonald-Gilmartin]