Carbon emissions from hardware required to play games is also an important issue.
According to an article in The Verge, the production of a single Playstation 4 causes 89 kilograms of carbon emissions. Carbon-intensive production is also a problem with computers, other consoles and mobile devices.
The need for new hardware when older models loose compatibility is another issue. This causes a need to produce even more products.
It can have a big impact to change how hardware is produced, how often players are forced to replace it, and making it easier for everyone to choose a better solution, when discarding hardware.
What can you do?
Ideas and examples
- Make sure your games support older versions of hardware or devices, so players can keep playing them on existing hardware
- Help players make the right decisions when discarding used hardware
- Put pressure on hardware producers to make use of long-lasting, eco-friendly and easily recyclable or upcyclable materials.
- Donate your own used hardware to people or organisations in need.
What have others done?
Selected blog posts
A designated Green Team drives emission reductions at GameDuell
The Berlin-based game company GameDuell is working towards the vision of reducing their carbon emission production to zero. In order to move towards this goal, they set up an internal Green Team to coordinate and implement steps and actions.
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MAG Interactive’s process and considerations when offsetting their carbon emissions
Reducing your carbon emissions is an important part of becoming greener. But it can be hard to cut all emissions. Offsetting your emissions through green initiatives has been the way for MAG Interactive to make up for their negative impact on the climate.
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How to build a green gaming computer
The energy consumption from gaming computers is an important part of the carbon emission from the life cycle of games. But there are ways to reduce this.
Read more
Space Ape measured and reduced their carbon footprint
Here is their 4-step-process for you to copy
The London-based mobile games company Space Ape has chosen a quite hands-on approach to lessen their negative impact on the climate. They’ve decided to take the time and do the research on how you can measure and reduce the emissions of a game company – and they’re happy for you to copy their method.