The environmental benefits of gaming on your phone

Since the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) launched COP in 1995, countries worldwide have joined to tackle global warming. Reducing carbon emissions and physical waste are high priorities across the board, with the UK pledging to be at net zero by 2050. 

The gaming industry utilises a significant amount of energy in the creation and running of key devices and the games themselves. Moving to mobile will help to mitigate this impact while ensuring gameplay remains as enjoyable for players. Here’s how:

Lower energy consumption

Traditional gaming consoles such as PCs are much larger than smartphones, and even handheld gaming devices require significantly more power due to the enhanced graphics. Using your phone instead means less electricity is required, and thanks to recent developments in mobile phone technology the quality is still exceptional.

Additionally, the likes of online bingo platforms and apps have reduced the number of people going to community halls and casinos for gaming sessions, removing the carbon footprint of transport and heating.

No need for physical parts

Although board games remain popular with global sales set to soar over the next five years as they encourage off-screen interaction, the rise in mobile gaming is helping to minimise the manufacturing damage of digital-only games. 

Now that they can be downloaded straight to your phone through apps, the demand for physical games is much lower. This also saves on packaging and the impact of distribution. 

Reduced electronic waste

The days of having multiple digital devices, each with a distinct function, are numbered. In the last two decades, mobile phones have gone from simple communication devices to multifunctional tools with internet access, cameras, lifestyle-enhancing augmented reality apps and entertainment options.

In terms of gaming, this means that you no longer need to invest in multiple consoles to keep up with the latest trends and connect with your friends. It also negates the need for expensive and wasteful hardware updates which are often frequent, especially for the more popular games. You can use one device you would buy anyway to play all of your favourites, from short single-player quests to multi-player missions.

This shift has already reduced electronic waste in the industry and will continue to as more people move to mobile gaming in the near future. The convenience of being able to play anywhere at any time and the improved smartphone data storage and graphics capabilities make this a no-brainer. 

Environmental education

You can go one step further than just switching to gaming on your phone by choosing a game designed to educate players on the importance of preserving the environment. These range from in-your-face activism activities to new editions of old favourites with sustainability-themed additional features such as the option to use renewable energy sources within the storyline.