Video Game Giant Activision Aims For Net Zero Emissions
Activision Blizzard is the video game giant behind franchises like Diablo, Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Overwatch, Crash Bandicoot, and other global phenomena. And for the first time ever, just released an environmental statement and goal.
In it, they state they are aware of their company’s impact on the environment and share their intention to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This applies to their business operations and the 67 offices around the world.
On top of emissions, they want to reduce their plastic production as well.
Going Digital Is Helping Both Goals
One thing that the statement highlighted is how important digital sales are to their business model. In 2020, 82% of their revenue came from digital channels (digital game sales and microtransactions).
This means the company does not need to produce physical goods. For instance, no plastic packaging or emissions from transportation.
The company already uses data centers in Europe that are fully powered by renewable energy sources. They are currently in the process of achieving the same in North America.
One of the main goals Activision is pursuing is to accelerate the digital transition and move away from the physical medium. Not only is this good from an environmental standpoint, but it’s also good for business.
Over the last five years, the company estimates that 5.5 million pounds of plastic have been avoided thanks to digital titles.
Data Center Management is Key
One of the biggest priorities is managing data centers. Not only are these critical for online gaming services, they are the biggest source of emissions from the country.
Servers run 24/7 and consume a lot of energy, especially when millions of players are using them. And Activision currently runs the most popular titles.
For instance, the free-to-play title, Call of Duty: Warzone, has over 100,000,000 players and growing.
Currently, only the European servers utilize renewable energy. The company plans to not only adopt it for all data centers but also make energy efficiency improvements to reduce the burden.
Regular Offices Will Improve As Well
The company is also looking to improve their offices.
Currently, Activision claims that only 15% of its portfolio is Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) or ISO 14001 certified. By adopting better standards at each office, the carbon footprint will reduce.
Video Games Can Spur Cooperation
Video games are by far the most popular form of entertainment in the world. For reference, if you combined the movie and music industries, video games would still be bigger.
This puts these companies in a unique position to get the message out, and Activision is capitalizing on it.
For instance, the report highlighted the Overwatch Ecopoint Brazil group. The game was able to mobilize Brazilian games together to help with reforestation efforts in Brazil.
It can also help raise money for organizations, which the company does for a variety of charity services.
Activision is not alone in this effort. Other major publishers like EA have also been stepping up to the plate to help combat climate change.
When gamers come together, anything can be achieved.
Robert has been following and writing about environmental stories for years at GreenGeeks. He believes that highlighting environmentally friendly practices can help promote change in every household.