Sumo Group announces today that it has joined the Playing for the Planet Alliance, a collective effort by the video games industry to reduce its carbon footprint and integrate environmental activations into their games.
In joining the Playing for the Alliance, game companies have made commitments ranging from integrating green activations in games – including educational environmental content in games – through the annual Green Game Jam to reducing their carbon footprint, with over half committing to reach net-zero carbon emissions or carbon negativity by 2030. The Alliance was launched in 2019 and it is facilitated by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) with the support of GRID-Arendal and Playmob.
Carl Cavers - CEO of Sumo Group, said, “We are delighted to be joining the Playing for the Planet Alliance, who share our vision for sustainable and environmentally friendly games development future. By committing to clear initiatives and targets aimed at reducing our impact on the environment, Sumo Group continues to take steps to making a visible and meaningful difference in this area.”
Sumo Group has committed to the following initiatives within the next twelve months:
- Inspiring action through play via self-funded titles published by its publishing division, Secret Mode.
- As part of our pledge to be net zero by 2025, including Scope 3 emissions, the Group will reduce CO2 emissions against a 2019 baseline through a combination of investment in efficient facilities and equipment and behavioural change initiatives.
- Engaging a working group of “Climate Champions” consisting of people from across our studios to ensure our 2025 pledge is met.
“The video games industry engages, inspires and captivates the imagination of billions of people across the world. This makes it a hugely important partner in addressing the climate emergency,” said Sam Barratt, Chief of Youth, Education and Advocacy in UNEP’s Ecosystems Division. “We are delighted to have the support of Sumo Group. The commitment of these gaming companies is a recognition that we all must play our role in the global effort to lower carbon emissions and effect real change towards sustainability.”
Other members of the Alliance include Sony, Microsoft, Ubisoft and Supercell, among others. An outline of the commitments that have been made to the Alliance can be viewed at the Alliance website here.