AfterClimate: $17bn have been committed to reaching net zero emissions

Environmental advocacy and consultancy firm AfterClimate revealed in a new report that the games industry has committed $17 billion of its revenue to net zero emissions.

The Game Industry Net Zero Snapshot 2022 study analyzed 33 gaming companies self-reported ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) statistics and commitments.

Among the group, which includes Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft, 19 have set target dates for achieving net zero.

AfterClimate recognized the following group as "ambitious" for a reported deadline of 2030 or sooner:

• Supercell (2022)
• 37 Interactive (2025)
• Ubisoft
• Microsoft
• Apple
• Google
• Embracer Group
• Tencent
• Perfect World
• Riot Games

"There is still much work to be done to achieve these targets, but they are moving in the right direction," the firm said about these companies.

The study also highlighted that some games companies were non-compliant for not setting a timetable for the environmental effort.

The collective includes:

• Square Enix
• Roblox Corporation
• Nexon
• Playtika
• Playrix
• Mixi

AfterClimate commented: "Disappointingly, some of these companies appear not to have considered the environmental impact of their operations at all."

Additionally, the report explained that gaming firms increasingly prefer suppliers who are actively involved with reducing their carbon footprint.

It highlighted that Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo are setting the standard for engaging in business with companies that have ESG expectations.

Among the key takeaways within the study, AfterClimate added that the games industry can and should decarbonize quickly.

"The snapshot shows promising signs of movement in the right direction, with strong leadership in some quarters, even as progress is incomplete, uneven, and lacking entirely in others," it explained.

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