Imagine a world where you can play video games and help the real-world environment, not just the virtual one. The newly launched CleanPlay platform offers this opportunity with notable incentives for gamers.
CleanPlay is currently available with monthly and yearly subscriptions for PlayStation 5 users. Once you sign up, you can receive in-game rewards through its partnership with 2k.
The platform recently announced its partnership with 2k, giving gamers exclusive content in PGA Tour 2k and TopSpin 2k25.
David Helgason is the chairman of CleanPlay and believes it’s a win-win situation for gamers. In a statement, he emphasized the need for clean energy in gaming.
“Energy is the backbone of gaming and technology,” said David Helgason, CleanPlay chairman and Unity Technologies founder. “With CleanPlay, we’re making it easier than ever for players to support clean energy projects while doing what they love. Every CleanPlay subscription helps signal demand for energy solutions that strengthen the grid. We’re making this process simple and engaging, so players everywhere can be part of the solution.”
CleanPlay is in beta, so gamers can expect a gradual increase in publisher partnerships and in-game perks. The platform says it’s not changing the energy flow in your house — instead, it’s leveraging market-based tactics to increase demand for renewables.
Now, gamers can play the new Star Wars collaboration in Fortnite and positively impact the environment through their sessions.
CleanPlay subscriptions help renewable energy projects worldwide and reduce demand for fossil fuels. For example, the partnerships include the Ocotillo Wind Farm in Texas and the Brainerd Airport’s solar array in Minnesota.
The invested money will supplement operations at these clean energy facilities. CleanPlay says the reduced public funding for wind and solar farms means these locations need help funding maintenance.
Besides the projects, CleanPlay purchases renewable energy certificates and is exploring community solar subscriptions and direct investments.
Engaging gamers while they play Elder Scrolls or Marvel Rivals is essential to pair with the efforts of the leading publishers and console producers.
For instance, Microsoft has unveiled power-saving features for Xbox consoles, including carbon-aware mode and a shutdown power option.
These subtle changes save energy when turning the console on and let users determine their active hours. If your Xbox becomes idle due to inactivity, it may turn itself off to conserve power.
Energy efficiency is critical to Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo because of investor input.
Financial professionals are more likely to support a company with strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies. Experts say 90% of investors consider ESG before making these important financial decisions.
Sustainable policies are also crucial to young people, whether enjoying video games or starting their careers. A Deloitte report said nearly half of Gen Zers and millennials use personal ethics to make career choices.
While CleanPlay is only available for PlayStation 5 users, it could significantly affect the world’s energy consumption.
Last year, Sony announced it had sold over 75 million PS5 consoles since its fall 2020 release. CleanPlay would only need a fraction of these users to subscribe for a substantial financial impact on the environment.
The ecological influence goes beyond the platform’s investments and could boost sustainability education. While the 2k incentives are nice, the players may consider more ways to help the planet.
For instance, gamers could employ sustainable tactics like rest mode. This setting lets you set a timer for your PS5, and it will automatically reduce power consumption after inactivity. Alternatively, users may find ways to impact the environment outside their game rooms.
Reducing carbon emissions is essential for individuals and companies producing software and hardware. Inaction could negatively affect ecosystems worldwide and lead to financial losses.
A 2024 analysis said Epic Games was the industry’s leader in emissions, averaging 24 million tons of carbon dioxide annually. Nintendo had the second-largest total, with 3.13 million yearly.
While Rockstar is only responsible for 148,000 tons annually, its annual carbon emissions are at 4.76 pounds per user per game. Activision Blizzard was in second place with 3.59 pounds and 261,406 tons of CO2 emitted.
Some companies have a high environmental impact, though others are more mindful. Electronic Arts reported 8,100 tons of carbon emissions, boosting sustainability for Madden and The Sims players.