A charity raises over a quarter of a million dollars using Minecraft, raising awareness of climate change through the game’s mangroves.
A nonprofit organization helped raise more than $227,000 for charity through Minecraft, using the mangroves in the game to send a message to the world about climate change. With probably the highest replay value of any modern video game, Mojang’s sandbox title has played a key role in the industry, not just in terms of giving fans the opportunity to unleash their creativity, but also by helping to educate people on key issues. It’s one of the reasons Minecraft is still so popular after all these years.
In fact, recently a Minecraft stream was able to raise $25,000 for charity, and the goal was reached before the event officially began. In the past, the broader gaming community has helped spread the word about important causes, raising money along the way. Events like the Summer Games Done Quick, which challenges popular players in the streaming community to finish games as quickly as possible, have done notable work for causes like Doctors Without Borders and have raised money for cancer organizations.
Now, Minecraft has once again been raising awareness, drawing attention to conservation, particularly when it comes to mangroves. Working with the non-profit charity The Nature Conservancy, the developer created a map called “Rooted Together,” which encouraged players to plant mangroves to help reduce CO2 levels in the game. Several content creators participated and were able to raise nearly $230,000, with Mojang itself contributing an additional $200,000 for the event. A video on the TNC website shows how streamers made an impact by encouraging viewers to donate, while footage from Kenya shows the Mtangawanda Women’s Association planting mangroves in the real world.
It’s an amazing achievement and one that really highlights the importance of conservation, not only helping to reduce CO2 levels, but also encouraging wildlife to thrive again. Climate change has also been a topic of other projects. Earlier this year, a UK organization used Minecraft to teach children about flooding and flood prevention, giving lessons on what can be done to improve the environment.
Minecraft is one of the most successful indie games ever made, and much of the reason is because of the almost endless creativity it can inspire. However, through charity events, it is also possible to do some good in the world by showcasing the possibilities of Mojang’s IP and also through the giving nature that exists within the gaming community itself.
Minecraft is available for mobile, PC, PS3, PS4, Switch, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.
Fuente: GAMERANT
