In a recent study conducted by French carbon-accounting firm Greenly, the environmental impact of physical and digital video games has been brought to light. The study found that the manufacture and shipping of physical copies of games are “100 times more carbon-intensive” than buying the digital version. This revelation has sparked discussions within the gaming community about the sustainability of the industry and the choices players make when purchasing games.
According to the study, the production and transportation of physical games, such as 1 million discs, could result in 312 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. In contrast, 1 million downloads of the same game, assuming it is 70GB in size, would only produce three tons of carbon dioxide. The study also highlighted the impact of cloud-based gaming, which relies on energy-hungry data servers, but noted that the emissions from downloading digital copies are significantly lower compared to physical copies.
Stephanie Safdie, the author of the study, emphasized the importance of considering the environmental impact of the gaming industry as a whole. While digital games still contribute to emissions through electricity use at home and data center energy consumption, they do not generate the same amount of waste and landfill as physical copies.
The findings of the study have raised awareness among gamers about the carbon footprint of their gaming habits. Many players have expressed surprise and concern over the significant difference in environmental impact between physical and digital games. Some have pledged to switch to digital downloads to reduce their carbon footprint, while others have called for more sustainable practices from game developers and publishers.
In response to the study, Xbox released a new ad poking fun at physical games, further highlighting the shift towards digital distribution in the gaming industry. However, the ad received mixed reactions from the gaming community, with some finding it humorous and relatable, while others felt disconnected from the message.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, discussions around sustainability and environmental responsibility are becoming increasingly important. Players, developers, and publishers alike are being called upon to consider the environmental impact of their choices and work towards more eco-friendly practices.
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References:
– https://www.gamesindustry.biz/manufacture-and-shipping-of-physical-games-is-100-times-more-carbon-intensive-than-digital-new-study-finds
– https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-study-finds-physical-games-are-100x-more-carbon-intensive-than-digital/1100-6535905/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f
– https://www.thegamer.com/xbox-new-ad-doesnt-even-feature-console/
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