If you think that video games cause your children harm, think again. Video games, when designed with a purpose, can have a profound and positive influence!
This is demonstrated by the Biodiversity Finance Initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) who, in collaboration with the Forest Foundation Philippines (FFP), have recently launched a new mobile game application called Animal Town. This game is not only entertainment but also educational as it engages children about environmental awareness.
GAME ON
If you are a fan of cozy simulation games like Stardew Valley, you can try Animal Town. App developer Lord Gosingtian described it as a “chill-paced simulation game where you build and manage a town of animals.”
It’s a simulation management game with a gameplay that focuses on resource management, quests, and interaction with the characters. Gosingtian added that the game “also serves as an educational tool to learn about the challenges and solutions to protect Philippine biodiversity.”
FROM GAMES TO GAINS
The game has been in development since 2019 and is a test to see if mobile games with in-app purchases can generate funds for conservation.
“There are 46 million registered mobile app users in the Philippines, so even a tiny percentage of paying gamers can do a lot to support our country’s conservation initiatives,” said DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga.
TOWARDS CONSERVATION
FFP will manage the funds generated by Animal Town and direct them toward conservation programs recognized by DENR-BMB. The FFP commits to transparency and careful management of the funds.
UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran hopes Animal Town will inspire anyone playing video games to be more aware of Philippine wildlife and conservation.
Animal Town is available to download from Google Play for Android and App Store for iOS.
