Environmental "Smart" Games

As a whole, "smart" games are a good idea. Since most kids spend most of their free time in front of a t.v, computer, or gaming console, in theory, developing games with the intent to educate kids and young adults about environment concerns and issues is a novel idea. The problem is that not all games are fun and interesting. As I played a few of the games (like Ben and Jerry's game), I found myself somewhat bored, annoyed, and disinterested. Thus, I found the game not really pertinent to raising global awareness. That said, my disinterest in the game could also be because I am much older than the intended age for those who are supposed to play that game.

I did however find a much better game at http://willyoujoinus.com/energyville/?gclid=CPywvZCkpqQCFQH_iAodp0nt4w. This game is developed by Chevron's eco team and is a spin on Sim City. For me this was a much more interesting game to play and I think this type of game would have a bigger impact on environmental awareness. However, I also think that even if thousands of people played these games, it still would be just a drop in the bucket. I think blogs, vlogs, smart games, etc. are all great tools to help environmental awareness, but I don't think they are that effective. For example, just because a lot of people play a game that doesn't mean it'll translate in them reducing their carbon footprint. I mean, getting somebody to read a blog on environmental issues is probably a bigger task than getting somebody to ride MUNI one day a week.

Not to come off as a bummer, but I feel that people in America are too addicted to their way of life and it doesn't matter if there are video games, movies, and a whole internet full of environmental awareness content. As we saw with the outcome of Gore's "Inconvenient Truth", people will find any excuse to disclaim or refute its tenets--even if the evidence is overwhelming and conclusive. The only way people will change is if they are forced to by legislation, or, if global warming indisputably affects their lives. I agree that this is a very pessimistic view on American culture, but from my experience the idea of not having the biggest, baddest car, having to change a light bulb, or having to turn off their appliances during certain hours of the day appears to be a bigger threat to the American dream than Al-Qaeda.